SIDMAN — For high-school vocalists, regionals are where the music gets bigger, the harmonies get tighter and the dream of all-state chorus suddenly feels within reach.

This year, singers from both Mifflin and Juniata counties stepped onto that stage with confidence, representing their schools at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Region III Chorus Festival held Feb. 18-20 at Forest Hills High School in Sidman, Cambria County.

For Mifflin County, the festival became a showcase of both talent and depth. Under the direction of Vicki Fensterbush, the Huskies brought a strong group of vocalists who had already proven themselves at district chorus earlier in the season. Regionals demanded even more — tougher cuts, higher expectations and a room full of the best singers from across central and western Pennsylvania.

Fensterbush said her students rose to the moment.

“The students did very well across the board,” Fensterbush said. “The majority of the placements were in the top 10 and some came very close to advancing to all-states.

Mifflin County’s Region III participants were Annie Hartzler, Lia Barahona, Ava Kelly, Cora Hartzler, Breanna Carmany, Emmah Miller, Teagan Pisko, Sierra Fultz, Kayden Rodriguez, Max Persing and Jacob Traxler.

Together, they represented every corner of the choir program — sopranos, altos, tenors and basses — each earning their place through months of preparation and a strong district chorus audition.

“We are extremely proud of Cora, Ava and Max for their all-state advancement,” Fensterbush added. “For Max and Cora, this is their second year in a row.”

For the three All-State qualifiers, the festival marked the final step before joining the top high-school vocalists in Pennsylvania. The all-state chorus is widely considered the highest honor a student singer can achieve in the PMEA system, and qualifying requires exceptional scores at both districts and regionals.

For Cora Hartzler and Max Persing, returning to All-States for a second consecutive year is a rare accomplishment.

Juniata High School also made its mark at regionals, sending two singers who delivered standout performances. Director Brad Eargle praised the work of his students, who held their own in a highly competitive field.

“Proud of these two ladies, who put on a fantastic Region III Choir performance,” Eargle said. “Congratulations to Marissa Erhard and Alivia Foltz for their hard work.”

For both districts, regionals are more than a ranking or a score sheet. They are a chance to sing in a large, highly skilled ensemble under the direction of a guest conductor — an experience that often becomes a defining moment in a young musician’s life.

Students spend months preparing audition pieces, rehearsing with their school ensembles, and refining their musicianship. Once they arrive at the festival, they join more than a hundred of the strongest young singers in the region, blending their voices into a single, powerful sound.

As the All-State Festival approaches, Mifflin County’s advancing singers will now prepare for the most selective choral event in the PMEA calendar. And for all the Region III participants from both Mifflin and Juniata counties, the festival stands as a testament to their dedication, talent and the strength of the choral programs that support them.

The students did very well across the board. The majority of the placements were in the top ten and some came very close to advancing to All-States. We are extremely proud of Cora, Ava and Max for their All-State advancement. For Max and Cora, this is their second year in a row .

The following Mifflin County High School students participated at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Region III Choir Festival held Feb. 18-20 at Forest Hills High School.

Front: Annie Hartzler, Lia Barahona, Ava Kelly, Cora Hartzler, Breanna Carmany, Emmah Miller

Back: Teagan Pisko, Sierra Fultz, Kayden Rodriguez, Max Persing, Jacob Traxler

Juniata High School Brad Eargle said Proud of these 2 ladies who put on a fantastic Region III Choir performance last night. Congratulations to Marissa Erhard and Alivia Foltz for their hard work!

Regionals are just one step from states, the pinnacle of choral success