PHOTO OF THE DAY: HONORED FOR SERVICE

Sonja Waltner and Sheila Wipf, who along with Iwona Lewter are music teachers at Freeman Public Schools, were recognized for their years of service Saturday night prior to the 72nd South Dakota High School Activities Association’s All-State Chorus and Orchestra grand concert in Sioux Falls. The Meritorious Service Awards — 26 of them — were presented by the South Dakota Music Education Association to music educators ranging in tenure from 15 years to 45 years. Waltner was honored for 25 years and Wipf for 30 years.

The concert itself was held at the Denny Sanford Premier Center and featured quartets from across the state, including from Freeman Academy, Freeman Public and Menno. There were 928 singers in all — SATB quarters ranged from four to 16 depending on the size of the school — and 159 members of the orchestra. The musicians presented 11 pieces in all — some as just an orchestra, some as just a choir and some together. Selections ranged from the Hallelujah Chorus by George Frederic Handel to the Battle Hymn of the Republic, arranged by Peter Wilhousky.

The orchestra was conducted by Dr. Louis Viquez, who is on staff at the University of Rhode Island, with the choir directed by Dr. Michael Hanawalt of Florida State University. The concert aired on SDPB Saturday night and will be broadcast on Thanksgiving.