March 18 saw the Southwest Conference Schools descend on Gothenburg High School for the 2023 SWC Fine Arts Festival.
It was a day of showcasing a talented conference field that included an Art Show and competition and Chorus and Band clinics with the day rounding out with awards and concerts.
Choral students in attendance had the privilege of working with Dr. John Petzet, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at UNK while the conference band participants were led by Dr. Jay Gilbert, who recently retired from his position as Director of Instrumental Music and Chair of the Music Department at Doane University.
Gothenburg musicians selected to the SWC Band and Choir include the following students:
Band: Harley Walker, Abby Negley, Mavrix Butterfield, Jack Aden, Claire Vincent, Sydney Houchin, Kurt Kuhlman, Alec Winney, Raegan Smith, Lathan Buesing and Brant Miller.
Choir: Olivia Bonine, Kaylee Olsen, Oreana Westbrook, Michon Franssen, Isabella Jordan, Katreen Rosou, Johanna Zarek, Baylee Blake, Maddie Bogus, Sarah Sander and Jake Vance.
The Art Show was nothing short of magical with one individual form each school being awarded for their outstanding work in the show. Gothenburg Senior Ally Goad was the Gothenburg winner for her oil painting entitled, "Still Life." Additionally, each school had two hours to paint a mural under the theme "Imagine the Future" and Gothenburg took top honors.
Students participating in the Art mural competition included Ally Goad, Reagan Jeffries, Taysia Holbein, Sierra Herfel, Katelyn DeBoer, Chole Daharsh, Kara Waskowiak, Emaleigh Rosse, and Madi Bryant.