Oil City Middle and High School Choirs

NOTE:  Link has been changed to allow more access: Oil City Middle and High School Music Department is proud to present our 2020 Virtual Holiday Concert.  Featuring solo and small group performances by our middle and high school band and choir students, virtual choir performances of two of our traditional holiday selections, and memories of concerts past selected by our seniors, we hope that our musical Christmas card for this year will add some holiday cheer to your celebrations.  Over the course of the next few weeks, additional virtual choir songs recorded by our students will be released as they are completed.  We hope that you have a very Merry Christmas and a joyous Holiday Season. Link to the Recording: https://youtu.be/0qSLEZgaJkM

Just wanted to touch base about the latest assignment and also try to explain grading for the rest of the nine weeks.  First of all, please understand that I feel your pain as far as keeping the kids on track with virtual learning.  Having a 4th grader at home, I know how hard it is to be a parent trying to tackle your own work AND theirs, technology that doesn't always work, assignments that are confusing, and children who say they turned an assignment in, but neglect to tell you they turned it in blank.  It's almost like having to not only be a parent, but also to be a private investigator as well.  I want to assure you that I am here to help any way I can.  Please do not hesitate to reach out and check on assignments, ask questions, and request tech support.   RECORDING ASSIGNMENT:  Before we sent the students home, we were working on two holiday selections that I was hoping to record in the building once we returned in December.  If students were in class prior to shut down

Congratulations to the following Oil City High School Choir Students who were selected to the the PMEA 2021 Virtual District Chorus Festival.  Students will receive audition materials this week in Google Classroom, and will audition for Region Chorus in January. Alternates will receive all audition materials, and will be placed in the choir if positions become available. Emily Gates - Soprano 1 Alexandra Webster - Soprano 1 Chloe Terwilliger - Soprano 1 Layla Hollis - Soprano 1 Claudia Vorse - Soprano 1 Alternate    Elizabeth Hoovler - Soprano 2 Hannah Krug - Alto 1 Emily Downing - Alto 2 Roman Hulver - Te nor 1 Mason Stephens - T enor 1 Jaxon Knox - Tenor 1 Lorin DeGroat - Bass 1  

Last week, the Middle School and High School Choirs and Music Classes were asked to share a song with me, and to share why the song was meaningful to them.  I have to say personally that this was one of the most meaningful assignments I have ever had the pleasure to grade in over 20 years of teaching.  While the stories will remain between the students and myself, I have to say they were heartfelt, honest, vulnerable at times, funny at times, and truly showed that these young people represent the finest that our future holds.  I am sharing the links to these playlists below.  I have separated them by school, and include the links via Spotify and YouTube.  Please note that the High School playlist does contain some selections with explicit language.  I have substituted radio edits where possible, but I felt that these songs deserved to be shared as well, since they reflected the true feelings of the student who chose them. I hope these selections afford you a memory or two, and that the

The Oil City Music Association (OCMA) is our parent support organization.  All parents of OCMS / HS Band and Choir Students are de facto members of the organization, and are invited to all meetings and participate in all activites. Our first gathering of the year will be an informational meeting Tomorrow, Monday, September 14th, at 6:00 pm.  We will be holding this over Zoom, and information will be sent via email today, if you are registered as a parent or guardian on Google Classroom.  If you would like the link, and you are not added in Google Classroom contact Mr. Luxbacher ( sluxbacher@mail.ocasd.org ) or Mr. Cartwright ( dcartwright@mail.ocasd.org ), and we can forward the information.  We will be discussing the coming year, the current challenges, and opportunities for you to help.   In addition, we will be electing officers for the coming year, and making a few bylaw changes.  If you would be interested in serving as an officer, please contact us, and we can get you in touch wi

The Oiler Marching Band is hosting their band camps over the next two weeks.  Due to current health restrictions, students must be outside for the majority of the day.  OMB is in need of canopies for outside rehearsals for the next two weeks.  If you are able to loan a canopy to the cause.  Please contact Mr. Luxbacher or Mr. Cartwright ASAP.  Thanks so much for your help!  Please contact via our school email accounts or through the Remind Text messaging service.

Congratulations to Senior Layla Hollis who was selected as an alternate to the National Association for Music Education National Honor Choir on Soprano 1.  She was selected for the position from hundreds of applicants from across the country.  Final results should be posted by the end of August.  Congratulations!

Senior Plaques are now available for pickup in the High School Office. Office hours are 7:00 am to 12:00 pm, and from 12:30 to 2:00 pm Monday through Friday. If you are unable to pick up your plaque, let us know and other arrangements can be made. Also, if you have any left over money in your OCMA account, you have two options. One option is to purchase a musical instrument, sheet music, or repair an already purchased musical instrument. Once the purchase or repair is made, you would then submit the receipt for reimbursement. The other option is to “will” your money to another student in the band or choir. It could be a sibling or a friend, even if the sibling or a friend is still in the middle school. We will create and account for them and hold that money for them until it is needed. In line with OCMA bylaws, any money not earmarked for use before August 30th, 2020 will be returned to the OCMA General Fund. If you have any money in your account, there will be an account trans

ATTENTION PARENTS AND GUARDIANS: Did you know that as a parent/guardian of a student involved in any of the Oil City High School bands or choirs that YOU ARE a member of the Oil City Music Association?  The OCMA meets twice a year. The OCMA has an executive board consisting of 9-11 board members. Officers include President, president-elect, past president, secretary, and treasurer along with 4-6 members at large. Meetings occur every other month on the second Monday of the month at 6pm. If you are interested in becoming a member of the executive board or becoming an officer of the OCMA, please contact Elizabeth Ames @ momofcrfm@verizon.net or via facebook messenger by June 30. You may also contact  Mr Luxbacher (sluxbacher@mail.ocasd.org) or Mr. Cartwright (dcartwright@mail.ocasd.org). Thank you!

Congratulations to Oil City High School Seniors Layla Hollis and Tori Stanish for placing 3rd and 5th, respectively, in the PMEA All-State Choir and Band Auditions.  Both students are eligible,and have applied, to the National Association for Music Education All-East and National Ensembles, and we wish them well in the pursuit of the next level.  Results of those auditions will be posted in the coming weeks and months.

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Our final featured senior for the class of 2020 is Christian Wright, son of Karen White and the grandson of Ethel White.  After high school, Christian hopes to obtain his commercial driver's license and drive professionally.  He would like to thank his family and friends for all of their support.

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Our next featured senior is Kylie Stouffer, daughter of Kelly and Glenn Stouffer.  She has been a member of choir for the past four years. After high school, Kylie plans to attend phlebotomy school and own a house of her own.  She would like to thank Mr. Luxbacher  for letting her be in choir, and getting to sing with all of the other choir members and getting to go on all of our trips. It has been the best 4 years of her life.

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.     Our next featured senior is Brandon Hartle, son of Edward and Melissa Hartle.  In addition to being a six year choir member, Brandon was also a member of the high school basketball and baseball teams.  He would like to thank his family and friends for their support.  

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.     Our next featured senior is Breana Shawgo, daughter of Dana Shawgo and Kim Pastnovich.  In addition to being a six year choir member, she was also a member of the Junior and Senior Executive Councils.  After graduation, Breana will be enrolling in the United States Air Force Security Forces, and we thank her for her service.  She would like to thank her dad for always supporting her and encouraging her to strive for better.

Congratulations to the 2020 Swing Out Queen, Katie Fye and Daniel Martinec! Special Thanks to Kelly Malek Photography for these photos, and Double Bloom Flower Shop for DONATING this year's flowers and sashes.    

Congratulations to Brandon Huff, recipient of the John Phillip Sousa Band Award, and Katie Fye, recipient of the 2020 National Choral Award.  

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Our next featured senior is Sam Puleo, son of Bob and Kathleen Puleo, and grandson of former OCHS Band Director C. Frank Puleo. His activities have included A Cappella Choir, Musical, Football, Track, and National Honor Society. In the fall, Sam plans to attend either Carlow or Point Park University for Digital Media. He would like to thank his family and friends for all of their love and support.

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Haley Burk, daughter of Jennifer Truhar.  She is a member of A Cappella Choir, Softball, Swimming, and the Tennis Teams.  After high school, Haley will be joining the Air Force.  She would like to thank her family and friends for all of their support.

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next king candidate is Eli Flinchbaugh, son of Sandra Stahlman.  His activities include A Cappella Choir, Musical, Golf, and Boy’s Tennis.  He would like to thank his family and friends for all their support throughout his time in high school.

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Our next featured senior is Heather Karns, daughter of Jeff and Julie Karns. In addition to being a member of the high school choir the majority of her middle and high school career, she has been a member of the high school tennis and basketball teams.  After high school, Heather plans to enlist in the United States Air Force, and we thank her for her service.  She would like to thank her family and friends for their support.

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Swing Out Queen and National Choral Award Winner Katie Fye.  She is the daughter of Beth and Stephen Fye.  She has been a six year member of choir, and an eight year member of band.  During that time she has also been a member of Marching Band, where she was Drum Major this past season, Rhapsody in Blues, Jazz Band, Women's Quartet (where she competed in two international Sweet Adelines Competitions), Pep Band, and Musical.  In addition, she has also performed in District Band and Chorus, Region Chorus, Mercyhurst Honors Band, and has served as Choir Mistress of

And the 2020 Swing Out King and Queen are...   KATIE FYE AND DANIEL MARTINEC!!!    

The National Choral Award is given to the outstanding graduating senior who has contributed most to his or her musical organization during their school music career. All members of the high school choirs vote for their selection based on the following points:   1. Better than average scholastic standing 2. Cooperation above and beyond normal duties 3. General Musicianship 4. Music Performance 5. Attendance at concerts/extra events 6. Desire to improve and take criticism 7. Diligence 8. Selflessness 9. Personal Integrity 10. Qualified to carry on the best traditions of the school   While all of our seniors have exhibited these qualities throughout their high school careers, we can only choose one.   It is my pleasure to announce that the 2020 National School Choral Award Recipient is... KATIE FYE    

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Kieara Kenniston. She is the daughter of Jill Mellring and Robert Kenniston.  In addition to being a six year choir member, her activites also included Rhapsody in Blues, Musical, Leadership Team, Cheerleading, and Bowling Club.  She would like to thank her family and friends for their support, and especially her mom for attending all her concerts and supporting her throughout the years.  

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Christa Hudson, daughter of Chris and Cheryl Hudson.  In addition to being a six year choir member, she has been a member of Colorguard, Sapphires, and STEM Team.  After high school, Christa plans to buy a van and go traveling.  She would like to thank her family for keeping her on the straight and narrow.

Due to the Memorial Day Holiday today, and the pickup and drop off of items at the middle school, we will be moving meetings around a little this week. Login information and links are in Google Classroom. Please note dates and times, and contact Mr. Luxbacher with any questions. MS Chorus will not have a formal meeting this week, due to school item pickup at the Middle School this week. Please see below for Choir Karate time if you are planning on completing those items this week. MONDAY: No Meetings TUESDAY: No Meetings - 6th Grade - See Wednesday WEDNESDAY: 5th and 6th Grade Music Office Hour: 11:15 - 11:55 AM HS Choir Underclassmen Meeting: 1:25 - 2:05 PM THURSDAY: Choir Karate Catch-All 10:00 AM Choir Karate Catch-All 1:00 PM FRIDAY: Choir Karate Catch-All 11:00 AM Choir Karate Catch-All 1:00 PM This is the final week for Choir Karate. Please plan to complete before June 1.

Special Thanks to Jim Ellis Photography, Kelly Malek Photography, Beth Fye, Chris Huff, and the Choir Class of 2020 for their contributions to this video.

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Our next featured senior is Sophie Horner, daughter of Robert and Carmen Horner.  In addition to being a member of the high school choir, she has been a member of the high school tennis team.  Following high school, Sophie will be attending university to pursue a career in Speech-Language  Pathology.  She would like to thank her friends, Abby and Jessa, for all of their support.

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Our next featured senior is Caleb Bish, son of Curtis and Rebecca Bish.  Along with being a member of choir in middle and high schools, Caleb has been a part of the Football, Swimming, and Track and Field Teams.  After graduation, Caleb will be enlisting in the United States Air Force, and we thank him for his service.  He would like to thank his m om, dad, and family for always supporting him and always having the support of the community throughout his career at Oil City.

From the responses I received, we should be under the mandated 25 person threshold to record together. Therefore, instead of recording in sections tonight, we will meet together as a choir at 4:00 pm in the high school auditorium.  Sopranos and Altos will report at this time, as well as the Tenors and Basses that we’re already scheduled.  Dress is cap and gown (Gentlemen - bring your caps as well), and dress clothes under the robes.  We will record the National Anthem, Alma Mater, Irish Blessing, and the Senior Portion of Body Electric.  SENIORS - PLEASE TEXT YOUR FRIENDS TO MAKE SURE THEY KNOW.  I will email everyone shortly. When you arrive, please observe the following guidelines: Please park in the back parking lot and come in through the back doors where the busses drop off.  Please put at least one parking space between your cars.  The back doors will be open. Please do not enter the building until 5 minutes before your scheduled time Only you are to come into the building

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Jessa Girty.  She is the daughter of Joshua and Heidi Girty.  Along with being a member of the choirs for the past six years, she has also been a member of the tennis team and Junior Executive Council.  In the fall, Jessa will be attending IUP for nursing, with the eventual goal to be a nurse practitioner.  She would like to thank her friends, Abby and Sophie, for all their love and support.

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors. Our next choir senior to be featured is Abby Kujawski.  She is the daughter of David and Kelly Kujawski.  She has been a member of the choirs since 7th grade, and has also been a member of the Tennis Team.  In the fall, Abby is planning on attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  She would like to thank her friends, Jessa and Sophie, for all of their love and support.

LOTS OF THINGS GOING ON THIS WEEK.  PLEASE READ EVERYTHING BELOW: SENIORS: WEDNESDAY: Senior Choir Recording for Baccalaureate / Graduation in HS Auditorium: Tenors and Basses: 4:00 to 5:15 PM Altos: 5:30 to 6:45 PM Sopranos: 7:00 to 8:15 PM PLEASE REVIEW THE GUIDELINES FROM YOUR EMAIL BEFORE ARRIVING!!!   UNDERCLASSMEN: RETURN OF MUSIC: Please bring your folders, and any music department items (robes, uniforms, textbooks, etc.) this week at your designated time: Monday, May 18th - 11th Grade Class Students A - L will be permitted into the building from 9 - 11 am Students M - Z will be permitted into the building from 1 - 3 pm Tuesday, May 19th - 10th Grade Class Students A - L will be permitted into the building from 9 - 11 am Students M - Z will be permitted into the building from 1 - 3 pm Wednesday, May 20th - 9th Grade Class Students A - L will be permitted into the building from 9 - 11 am Students M - Z will be permitted into the building from 1 - 3 pm Sen

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Ashtyn Wise.  She is the daughter of Kevin and Robin Wise.  Ashtyn has been a member of the choirs since seventh grade, and also participates in track and field and gymnastics.  After graduation, Ashtyn will be enlisting with the United States Air Force, and we thank her for her service.  She would like to thank her parents and grandparents for always pushing her and always being there for her.

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Daniel Gatesman.  He is the son of Chris and Janet Gatesman.  He has been a member of both the Middle and High School Choirs, in addition to being part of the Soccer Team, Video Leadership, and Yearbook Staff.  In the fall, Dan will be attending Butler County Community College to pursue a degree in Engineering Technology with CADD.  He would like to thank his family and close friends for all of their support.

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next senior is Halyne Riley.  She is the daughter of Michael and Heather Riley.  She has been a member of the choir throughout middle and high school.  In addition to her musical pursuits, she has also been a member of the Varsity Football and Competition Cheer Teams, and Senior Executive Council.  In the fall, Halyne will be attending Clarion University for Medical Imaging and Ultrasound.  She would like to take this opportunity to thank her family and friends for their constant support and encouragement, and Mr. Luxbacher for teaching her everything she need to know about music since 6t

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Carter Stanley.  Carter is the son of Molly Jennings and J.D. Stanley.  Carter has been a member of choir throughout middle and high school, and was in our production of "A Christmas Story the Musical" in the fall of 2017.  In addition to his musical pursuits, Carter has been a member of the wrestling and golf teams, and has been part of Broadcasting.  In the fall, he plans to attend Slippery Rock University.  Carter would like to thank all of his coaches and teachers for everything they have done for him throughout his school career.

REMINDER: Voting for Swing Out Court is due by 11:59 tonight (Wednesday, May 13). Ballot is in your email. If you need another link, contact Mr. Luxbacher or Mr. Cartwright.   SENIORS: PLEASE CHECK YOUR SCHOOL EMAIL NOW FOR INFORMATION REGARDING GRADUATION CHOIR!!!

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next featured senior is Keeley Hargenrader.  She is the daughter of Tim and Stacey Hargenrader, and proud mother of her son, Jack.  She has been a member of middle school chorus, and Concert and Treble Choirs in high school. She attended Venango Technology Center to pursue a career as a Dental Assistant, and we know she will go far.  She would like to thank all of her friends and family for their support.

Over the course of the next month, we will take some time to recognize and thank our Oil City High School Choir Seniors for their hard work and dedication to this program. Many of these students started in 7th grade, and have continued to sing throughout their Middle School and High School Careers. We thank them for their service, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.   Our next senior is Josh Masters.  He is the son of Wendy Masters.  He has been a member of choir since the 7th grade, and has performed in the high school musical and Rhapsody in Blues during his time in choir.  In addition, he has gone above and beyond by serving in the leadership the past two years, and performing in the PMEA district and region chorus festivals.   Beyond the choir room, Josh has also been a part of the Cross Country and Track teams.  As you can see in the picture, Josh will be serving in the US Marine Corps following high school, and we thank him for his service.  He would lik