Humboldt County Office of Education: 2021 Senior Showcase | All County Music Festival

Word art - student events
Word art - student events

2021 Student Showcase | All County Music Festival

The All County Music Festival has celebrated excellent musicians in grades 6 – 12 since 1955. Music teachers nominate and rehearse their top musicians who come together in 10 hours of rehearsal in 7 ensembles: Junior Band, Choir, Orchestra, and Senior Band, Choir, Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble. Stellar conductors coalesce these musicians into an incredible concert. This year, we celebrate our senior musicians who are unable to have a traditional All County Music Festival.

Student IT Showcase Photo

Kyra Dart

  • School: Eureka High School
  • Instruments: Flute/Piccolo
  • Teacher: Charles Young
  • Years Nominated: 7

Student Bio

I have been playing the flute since fourth grade, and it is always something I have loved. All County has been a wonderful and enriching musical experience that I have enjoyed for many years. I have enjoyed playing in the All-County ensemble, and I am honored to have sat as the first chair during my Sophomore year. After graduation, I will be attending Colorado State University where I will obtain a degree in history, as well as a teaching credential. I plan to continue playing music for the rest of my life, and I cannot wait for the future musical experiences I will endure.

In the Teacher’s Words

“Kyra has been a solid leader of the flute section for four years. Without her positivity, enthusiasm, and dedication for her craft, we would not be making the music we are making.”

Student IT Showcase Photo

Sean Holst

  • School: Eureka High School
  • Instrument: Tenor Saxophone
  • Teacher: Charles Young
  • Years Nominated: 4

Student Bio

I’ve played multiple saxophones from soprano all the way to baritone since I was in 4th grade. I’ve missed out on going to all county for many of the years and it’s upsetting that my last won’t be able to happen. After high school, I will be attending CR before transferring to a 4 year to attain a degree in Environmental Science. I definitely want to continue and expand my musical abilities into college and after.

In the Teacher’s Words

“Sean has played for me in the jazz ensemble and in-band and his laid-back attitude has challenged me to be more chill. Nevertheless, his musicianship has no choice but to come through. He plays with feeling and sensitivity and I look forward to every time he soloed.”

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Student IT Showcase Photo

Myca Milton

  • School: Eureka High School
  • Instrument: Clarinet
  • Teacher: Charles Young
  • Years Nominated: 4

Student Bio

I have played clarinet since elementary school. Having played in a band with many amazing people has given me so many joyful experiences that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I’ll be attending College of the Redwoods and/or Humboldt State University to study engineering or something else in the mathematic field. Although I may not peruse music as a career, I will always enjoy playing and I look forward to improving.

In the Teacher’s Words

“Myca has always brought a different perspective and view point to this classroom and that has feed my creativity. Every year his musicianship has increased and because of his work, he sits first chair in my band.”

Student IT Showcase Photo

Izzy Unsinger

  • School: Eureka High School
  • Vocal Part: Soprano
  • Teacher: Charles Young
  • Years Nominated: 5

Student Bio

Izzy Unsinger is a senior in Limited Edition. She is planning on attending College of the Redwoods in the fall. She wants to teach high school English and drama.

In the Teacher’s Words

“Izzy started in Concert choir where she rose into the leadership role, joined me in Limited Edition, took the leap, and auditioned for Regional Honor Choir where she learned a great deal about her voice and what it could do. In the pandemic, Izzy has risen to the challenge and has been a constant for the group throughout the year, providing leadership and a foundation.”

Student IT Showcase Photo

Caleb Williamson

  • School: Eureka High School
  • Vocal Part: Barritone/Bass
  • Teacher: Charles Young
  • Years Nominated: 2

Student Bio

I am a senior in high school. After high school, I plan on going to HSU to receive a bachelor’s degree. While going to college, I will continue doing music by singing at my church and doing musical theater.

In the Teacher’s Words

“Caleb sort of joined limited edition in the spring of 2020 by “Volunteering” to be another bass for the group. Caleb brings joy and determination to whatever he does in limited edition. Caleb has risen to be a leader in the group and a positive influence for his classmates.”

Student IT Showcase Photo

Bailey Woods

  • School: Eureka High School
  • Vocal Part: Alto
  • Teacher: Charles Young
  • Years Nominated: 7

Student Bio

I’ve been singing in a choir since I was in fourth grade. All County has always been a special time of the year for me. I loved to sing with new people and push myself to learn all the music. After I graduate this year, I’m going to attend College of the Redwoods to get my AA. I may not take choir there, but I plan to keep music in my life.

In the Teacher’s Words

“Bailey has sung at Eureka Senior High School for all four years. She has steadily grown in leadership and musicianship. She is usually the first to learn her music and Works to help her singers in her section succeed.”

Student IT Showcase Photo

Caitlin Wheetley

  • School: Arcata High School
  • Instrument/Vocal Part: Violin/Alto
  • Teacher: Cassandra Moulton-Rizzo
  • Years Nominated: 4

Student Bio

I have loved music ever since I could remember, constantly singing, banging on the piano keys, and making music wherever I went. Throughout the years I joined musical theater, choir, orchestra, jazz band, and other various music groups. I hope to continue playing music after I graduate and am so thankful for all the wonderful experiences and teachers I have been able to have at Arcata High School.

In the Teacher’s Words

Caitlin is a strong musician who has always stepped up to everything I’ve asked of her. Over the four years she’s shown incredible leadership skills, helped build community in our department, and been a great support to her peers! Caitlin’s smile lights up the room and I’ve always appreciated her ability to “tell it like it is” with a humorous touch. Best of luck to you in the future Caitlin, we’ll miss you!

Student IT Showcase Photo

Leah Johnston

  • School: Eureka High School
  • Instrument: Alto Saxophone
  • Teacher: Chris Cox
  • Years Nominated: 3

Student Bio

Leah Johnston is ranked fifth in her class with a cumulative GPA of 4.33. Leah’s favorite subjects are math and music, where she plays the alto and soprano saxophone. She’s been in the EHS Jazz Ensemble for four years, has been involved in EHS theater productions for four years, was in the EHS Symphonic Band for two years, and is the secretary of the EHS Soroptimist Club. Leah has also played in the College of the Redwoods Jazz Band and Concert Band, and played for NCRT’s production of Cabaret. This fall, Leah plans to attend a UC or CSU to hopefully major in Aerospace Engineering or Mathematics, and possibly minor in Music.

In the Teacher’s Words

Leah is an excellent musician and leader in the music department. She has an amazing path ahead of her and has what it takes to be successful.

Student IT Showcase Photo

Marcus Cox

  • School: Eureka High School
  • Instrument: Trumpet
  • Teacher: Chris Cox
  • Years Nominated: 3

Student Bio

Marcus Cox has been an active member of the EHS Jazz Ensemble or 4 years. He also enjoys trail building and mountain biking in the community. After high school he plans on pursuing a career as a commercial pilot.

In the Teacher’s Words

Marcus has been an excellent leader and musician in the EHS Jazz Ensemble.

Student IT Showcase Photo

Gavin Brooks

  • School: Eureka High School
  • Instrument: Baritone Saxophone
  • Teacher: Chris Cox
  • Years Nominated: 1

Student Bio

I have been in Jazz Band for my whole high school career. I play baritone sax and have really enjoyed my time in the band. Outside of music I play baseball and basketball. I have taken a few AP classes like Calculus and Environmental Science and hopefully I’ll end up with a 4.0 GPA. After high school I will hopefully go to college and pursue a degree.

In the Teacher’s Words

Gavin has been a wonderful addition to the Jazz Ensemble.  His background and knowledge of music is extraordinary!