Issaquah High men's vocal ensemble sings into first place

The Issaquah High men's vocal ensemble out-sang the competition at the Washington Music Educator Association's statewide competition on April 28 and 29. The 11 students lived up to their group name, In Harmony, by performing perfectly coordinated renditions of "Vive L'Amour," an a cappella song with tight harmony; "Ose Shalom," the mellow Hebrew song of peace; and "Hol'You Han'," a lively Jamaican ditty with vocal percussion, rapping, nine-part harmony, and seven solos.

Teacher Barbara Irish brought in Dr. J. Bayard DuBois, director of the semi-professional local choir Breath of Aire, to help her guys "beef up their tone." Also, Rochester University's MidNight Ramblers came in to demonstrate "the energy and involvement of a collegiate male chorale." But Irish attributes the ensemble's success mainly to practice, practice, practice, and the members' respect for each other as they aimed for a common goal.

In Harmony opened the May 10 school board meeting by singing its winning repertoire. The performance can be heard on the meeting's online podcast. Superintendent Janet Barry remarked: "At first I was thinking of the talent of the boys, and then I thought of their teacher. And I thought, 'That is a remarkable person!'"

Even though Irish is only in her second year at Issaquah High, she has 23 years of teaching experience. She says it's easy to excel when she is surrounded by wonderful students and support colleagues: "I love getting up every morning to see the kids and staff. I didn't know teaching could be like this. I am so grateful to be teaching at Issaquah High School. It has given me new life."

Other District super-stars at the state competition:

• Kevin Bell, Issaquah High, first-place, timpani
• William Holmes, Skyline High, third-place, guitar
• Jonathan Ip, Issaquah High, second-place, viola
• Karma ensemble, Skyline High, second-place, strings small
• Kaylene Rogers, Skyline High School, second-place, harp