ISSMA
Although choir does not have a traditional state tournament to compete against other schools in, they do have a district competition to qualify for a separate state competition. Each year, the Wheeler choirs perform an array of music that’s judged by musicians from local high school directors to college professors at ISSMA.
ISSMA District was held on January 28th at Kankakee Valley Intermediate School. Middle schools and high schools from around the area all gathered to perform. Between Wheeler Middle and High Schools, there were 7 ensembles and 5 soloists. All of the high school groups performed in group one, which allows them to qualify to perform at state. Six of the ensembles received gold medals, and all of the soloists received gold medals. The soloists include Hanna Delph, Christopher Rohe, Hollie Coto, Annemarie Miley, and Trey Erny.
At the district competition, the judges critique each piece and provide feedback for the choir. The choir is then able to work on perfecting their music before the state competition.
The high school choirs will be traveling to Indianapolis for ISSMA State on February 17th in at Perry Meridian High School. There, they will perform along with schools from around the entire state who also received gold medals at their district competitions. The judges will be tougher considering the groups have received feedback and comment. The school wishes their best to the choirs.
Hometown Rivalry
Every school has their rivalries and Wheeler is no exception. The Bearcats’ biggest rivals are the Boone Grove Wolves. At every sporting event against Boone Grove, you might see a pack of Bearcats. The theme for every game against the Wolves is war, so everyone is dressed in camouflage and combat-wear from head to toe.
This year, the boys basketball game against Boone Grove was held on February 1st. The Bearcats did not disappoint. The stands were packed with fans at the start of the JV game at 5:30, and the crowd did not let up until the end of the varsity game. Bearcats fans, young and old, were cheering on the Bearcats to a victory of 46 to 37 for the JV game and 64 to 51 for the varsity game.
Across the gym from the Bearcats fans, you found the Boone Grove Wolves. Even though the game took place at Wheeler, Boone Grove still had a large turnout to support their team. In comparison to Wheeler’s permanent theme of war, Boone Grove always dresses in their patriotic wear when versing Wheeler. Both student sections showed great support and sportsmanship for their teams.
The boy’s team will wrap up their season in the weeks to come. Their senior night will be held on February 23rd where they will celebrate two seniors, Hunter Catherman and Jordan Bradford. Prior to the game, there will be a taco dinner held in the cafeteria for any students or Bearcats fans who would like to attend.
Teacher Highlight
Choir teacher Pamela Hardesty has been at Wheeler for over 20 years. Throughout her time at Wheeler, she has impacted dozens of students and made lifelong relationships with them.
“Wheeler is a small school that focuses on the student as an individual but at the same time a part of team,” said Hardesty.
Hardesty has been involved in music since she was in elementary school, performing in bands, choirs, orchestras, small ensembles, show choirs, and solos. She attended Valparaiso University where she received her bachelor’s degree in music education. She has also taken several courses through Vandercook College of Music since to further her education and knowledge.
As the choir director for both Union Township Middle School and Wheeler High School, Hardesty teaches over 100 students. She puts on the annual Madrigal performance and spring concert. The choirs also take part in ISSMA, Circle the State with Song, and Music in the Parks.
“The group of students I have this year works well together, supports and encourages each other and are musically mature,” explained Hardesty. “They learn quickly and have a great attitude towards singing and their choir.”
Being a music educator, Hardesty’s main goal is to share her love of music with students. She hopes she can encourage students to make music an important part of their lives.
“The arts enhance daily, normal things and help us understand and cope with life better,” shared Hardesty. “Math, English, Science, Social Studies all have artistic aspects to them and go hand in hand with the arts.”
Student Highlight
Sophomore Trey Erny has more on his mind than the upcoming tri-mester finals. Aside from his classes and school work, Erny is involved in concert choir, show choir, drama club, dance team, GSA, and the spring play.
Erny has been performing since the age of six. Since then, he hasn’t been able to stop. He began at Chicago Street Theatre, and continues to take classes there.
“The arts have impacted my life in many different ways, but it has mostly helped me find myself,” shared Erny. “I am who I am today because of the arts.”
Erny took part in Wheeler’s fall production of Godspell and will be in the spring play, Captain Fantastic. The production will open on April 15th and run through the 17th in the auditorium at Wheeler. He will also be performing in Monster Problems at Chicago Street Theater this upcoming May. As for choir, Erny has taken part in the Madrigal performances, caroling at Innsbrook Country Club, and ISSMA. He received a gold on his solo, Into the Night, at the district competition and will be performing at the state competition.
For the remainder of the school year, Erny focuses on improving his grades and will continue to look for more ways to be involved in the arts. Erny thanks Wheeler for helping him find the amazing people in his life. Amid his busy schedule, Erny tells that he often talks with his girlfriend or listens to music to keep calm and stay sane.