For four consecutive years, performing arts programs such as debate and forensics, theater, choir, band and orchestra have made it to the finals at Kansas State High School Activities Association [KSHSAA] competitions for performing arts.
KSHSAA organizes a multitude of events in sports and performing arts. These events are open to high schools throughout Kansas, and several can lead to national competitions and recognition. When making it to the regional or statewide finals, students must score higher than other teams and contestants to make it further.
Activities Director Matthew Renk oversees students’ involvement with KSHSAA. Renk said he has admired students’ perseverance as they have made it to the finals the last four years despite numerous staff turnovers at the head director position in orchestra.
“One of the really neat things here is we’ve had some turnover in our teaching positions in those marching bands, orchestras and even vocals,” Renk said. “Yet we continue to win that award, which shows how great and amazing our students are and how the standard has been set.”
Senior Anwen Williams has participated in events for debate, forensics and band for four years. Williams has taken part in national competitions after placing first in State events for KSHSAA Debate and Forensics.
“I really liked [the competition], because I didn’t really expect to do well,” Williams said. “It’s really nice because the school shows you exactly what to do to get to those opportunities, so you don’t have to seek anything out yourself. It’s very structured,”
Additionally, choir competes in State Large Group Festival, where they have received the top score consistently for years. The associate director of choral activities, Olivia Henning, has been teaching for eight years. While teaching, Henning has seen choir students grow into their place and expand their abilities.
“This is a place where a student can feel like they belong. It’s something to get involved in. That’s what it was for me when I was in high school. It was a place to be involved in something and belong to a group, and then it just became what I love to do,” Henning said.
Furthermore, English and theater director Bryce Jones has been teaching for four years at the school and 14 years in total. Free State’s theater program has won awards very consistently at KSHSAA provided events as well as the Blue Star Awards. At the Blue Star Awards, the cast of last year’s musical Bright Star received many nominations, including Outstanding Orchestra and Outstanding Ensemble.
Although Jones started teaching theater at Free State fairly recently, he said he has been able to watch his students develop several skills that will help them perform and lead them towards success and recognition for their achievements.
“Those recognitions are really cool for individuals,” Jones said. “So that they understand that their hard work is seen by other people, and not just those here in the school building, but also regionally or even statewide.”
