Riverside Vocal Music

05/21/2026

On the road to Nashville!

And we're off! Nashville bound!

05/13/2026

Two nights of wonderful music! Congratulations to the Riverside High School and Middle School musicians on their performances! All bands and choirs performed beautifully. There truly is power in music. Proud of our musicians’ growth and commitment.

Thank you to our outstanding accompanist, Mrs. Mary Jo Laupp, and Mr. Jonathan Hobbs, Riverside’s fearless band director. Congratulations also to Riverside art students on their art pieces. Thank you, Mrs. Rebecca Anderson, for all you do for our students and staff! And thank you, Ms. Heather Heater for taking pictures of our musicians!

05/12/2026

RMS Concert tonight at 7:00!

05/10/2026

Seniors in choir had their final rehearsal on Friday. The Class of 2026 has certainly left its mark on the Riverside Choir program. 🙃 Never a dull moment for sure. In addition to their vibrant personality, this group has tremendous musical ability. Seniors, thank you for your contributions, dedication, and leadership in the RHS Choir program. It has been a true privilege to teach you and get to know you all. You will be missed dearly! You certainly won't be forgotten (that would be impossible 😎). Best wishes for each of you in your future! Keep singing!

05/07/2026

RHS Spring Concert Monday May 11th at 7:00!

04/26/2026

Congratulations to all RHS musicians on their performances at State Solo and Ensemble today! Many hours of practice and rehearsal led up to this day and they all made beautiful music.

These students seemed to have a blast this weekend, while also being respectful and responsible.

Results in order of performance time:

Ensemble:
Naiad Ensemble: II (just 2 points shy of a One)

Soloists:
Zoey Jones: II
Trevin Russell: II
Hannah Anderson: II
Kelsey Stroud: II
Brandt Jackson: I
Nick Watson: I

(Many soloists were only two points from a One as well.)

Congratulations to our instrumental soloists as well on their wonderful performances! Way to go, Riverside Bands!

A huge thank you to:
Mrs. Lynn Laipple for helping chaperone
Mr. Jonathan Hobbs for helping me keep my head on straight
Ms. Charity Brooke for driving the bus
Mrs. Leslie Thompson for accompanying for our instrumentalists and for helping me turn pages
Riverside USD 114 for our hotel rooms and student meals during the trip.

04/25/2026

Pre-contest dinner at Chili’s!

04/24/2026

On the road to State Solo and Ensemble in Salina! RHS will be represented by a vocal ensemble, four instrumental soloists, and six vocal soloists. They are ready!

We were thrilled to have Dr. Paul Dease, choir director at Missouri Western, come by today to have a clinic with our vocal soloists!

And thank you to our RHS staff for giving our students a rousing send off!

04/20/2026

State Large Group Results

Our second major contest event of the season was another big success! All four high school choirs performed before judges at State Large Group in Atchison this past Thursday. Every choir tackled challenging pieces this semester and they put in the work. Proud of their performances, musicianship, and professionalism.

Results:
Cyclone Choir: II
Concert/Men's Choir: II
Women's Choir: I

I = Outstanding
II = Excellent

The judges had great things to say about each choir, as well as things to work on. Looking forward to implementing their suggestions to further improve!

THANK YOU to:
Mrs. Gretchen Willson, our wonderful accompanist
Mr. Scot Koranda and Mrs. Stephenie MacPherson, our awesome bus drivers

04/19/2026

Regional Solo/Ensemble Results!

RHS Choir attended Regional Solo and Small Ensemble Contest at Benedictine College last weekend. Our students represented themselves and our school well. All choir students participated across 6 ensembles, as soloists, or both. Each ensemble and soloist gave wonderful performances, and their hard work was evident.

Ratings:
I = Outstanding (advances to State in Salina)
II = Excellent
III = Average

Ensembles:
Zephyr Ensemble: II
Maelstrom Men: II
Naiad Ensemble: I
Tempest Timbre: II
Vortex Voices: II
Lorelei Ladies: II (one point from a I rating)

Soloists:
Hannah Anderson: I
JayKylah Fanning: III
Clover Frakes: II
Mylee Gay: III
Ronee Gibson: II
Brandt Jackson: I
Zoey Jones: I
Tristan Manuel: II
Gabby Martin: II
Tenley Ortega: II
Trevin Russell: I
Kelsey Stroud: I
Nick Watson: I

Congratulations to Naiad Ensemble and 6 soloists who will head to State at Southeast of Saline in Gypsum, KS, this coming weekend! Congratulations also to the Riverside Bands ensembles and soloists who performed at Regionals and those advancing to State!

THANK YOU to:
Mrs. Mary Jo Laupp, our wonderful accompanist
Mrs. Tina Kimberlin and Mr. Scot Koranda for driving the buses
Mr. Jonathan Hobbs for his help and support