South Haven News

By Claire Minor

On Mar. 29, 2025, the music educator, Keeley Coon, and a handful of students from South Haven Schools went to El Dorado, KS to attend a music festival at Butler County Community College. The students that performed at the festival were Avery Strickland, Emma Wiiest, Gabe Monvicais, Emelia Cabral, Sophia Trillo, and Alivia Irey.

All of the students who went have been preparing instrumental or vocal solos this semester. They each had to prepare their pieces and take it to the festival to be judged and rated. Their judges gave them critiques which were given to help them to grow as musicians.

Coon said that her favorite part of the day was seeing the students’ hard work pay off. “They have all spent a great deal of time preparing these challenging pieces. Seeing them take pride in their work and show their gifts to others was very fulfilling!”

Avery Strickland got a I rating. Strickland’s I rating has qualified her for the State Solos Festival that will take place April 26th at Hesston College! Great job South Haven!

Down below the ratings from the performance will be listed:
– Avery Strickland – I rating
– Emma Wiiest- II rating
– Gabe Moncivais – II rating
– Emelia Cabral – III rating
– Sophia Trillo- III rating
– Alivia Irey – III rating