The Red Wing High School Choral Department marked a momentous week in its history, highlighted by a prestigious performance at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Clinic and record-breaking student participation in state honors programs.
The Red Wing Concert Choir, under the direction of Scott Perau, took the stage at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Thursday, Feb. 13, marking the department’s first appearance at the convention since 1991. The 40-minute program was based on the RWPS motto “Creative, Courageous, United.” The performance also featured the world-premiere of the newly commissioned “Steadfast, Beating,” a collaboration between Red Wing High School English teacher and poet Molly Sutton Kiefer and renowned Minnesota-based choral composer Linda Kachelmeier.
Adding to the department’s achievements, a program-record six Red Wing High School students performed with the MMEA All-State Honors Choir at Orchestra Hall on Saturday, Feb. 15. The selected students were Thomas Doig, Annika Johnson, Hallie Johnson, Maria Olson, Evan Nelson, and Abby Schmaltz. These juniors and seniors underwent a rigorous audition process in the spring of 2024, and represented the highest level of choral excellence in the state.
“I was able to make so many connections with singers from across the state. It was so much fun to be with people who love singing as much as I do,” Schmaltz said.
The department’s success extended to younger students as well, with six vocalists selected for the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota 9-10 Honors Choir Program. On Saturday evening, Hannah Fox, Finley Kamps, Silas Perau, Presley Wheelock, Kiptyn Lutjen, and Parker Jacobson performed at the Minneapolis Convention Center, demonstrating the depth of talent in Red Wing’s choral program.
“When we have large numbers of students selected for state-level honors choirs, it is a sign of a thriving choral program. These students get such a rich musical experience in these programs, which in turn strengthens our choirs at RWHS,” Scott Perau said.
Red Wing High School’s All-State Honors Choir members for 2025 are (front row, from left) Abby Schmaltz, Hallie Johnson; (back) Annika Johnson, Thomas Doig, Evan Nelson and Maria Olson, all pictured with teacher Scott Perau.
Red Wing High School’s Minnesota 9-10 Honors Choir members for 2025 are Presley Wheelock, Silas Perau, Parker Jacobson, Kiptyn Lutjen, Finley Kamps and Hannah Fox.
Red Wing Concert Choir, under the direction of Scott Perau, took the stage at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Thursday, Feb. 13.
