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For high school students throughout the Juniata Valley, music is more than a song played on the radio or sung in the shower. It's something that pour their hearts and souls into for years, practically dutifully for hours just like an athlete playing basketball or football.
They hone their craft as youngsters and, for those who stick with it, are put to the test when they reach high school band and chorus by competing at the district, regional and state levels.
This year's series of festivals are underway as many district concerts were held over the past few weeks. The lucky few now head off to regionals in concert band and chorus.
The cream of the crop keeps getting whittled down as the competition grows more fierce. Those who are fortunate enough to qualify for states are truly the cream of the crop.
The shear number of musicians and singers who participated at the district level for concert band, chorus, jazz band and contemporary A Cappella indicate that the arts are alive and well in the Juniata Valley.
Musicians and singers from Mifflin County, Juniata and East Juniata high schools, along with Belleville Mennonite School, have made us proud to come from the Juniata Valley.
We applaud your performances and acknowledge your accomplishments on such a grand stage. We will continue to wish you well as you try to progress to regionals. For those who aren't fortunate enough to advance, we encourage you to keep trying. It's the old adage: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
We would also like to acknowledge the unending efforts of the student's teachers and instructors and their support systems, including the booster clubs. We know how much time you devote to these fine musicians and many would not have succeeded without your guidance.
The boosters have also provided much-needed financial support and funds to have their musicians and singers gain the resources that they need to compete.
Your efforts and dedication are all lauded as well.