Publisher’s Perspective

By Tim Douglass, Publisher of the Pope County Tribune

Minnewaska Vocal Music Instructor Gordy Moeller directed the  Minnewaska Area High School Concert Choir  last Thursday at the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) Annual State Convention.

Just being invited to perform at such an event speaks volumes about the quality of the Minnewaska Music program.

Being invited to perform at the convention is one of the highest honors bestowed on a high school choir, we were told.

And last week’s performance was the second time in Minnewaska Area School”s history this invitation has been extended with the last invitation coming in 1995. Moeller was the director then as well.

Minnewaska was the only Class A school choir invited. Other schools invited were St. Michael/Albertville, Albert Lea, Austin and St. Louis Park.

“We were in some very good company,” stated Gordy Moeller, “What an honor for our students!”

We agree.

And congratulations to Gordy and the MAHS Concert Choir.  Locally, we know the quality of the program, so it was nice to be able to share it with the rest of the state.

As Minnewaska Area Schools Superintendent Chip Rankin said:  “The incredible opportunity for our Laker students to perform at the MMEA Convention provides a chance to showcase our district’s talent and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Again, well stated.  High school music programs do provide memories that last a lifetime.  While I was in high school, our band, under the direction of Helge Nasby, was one of two Minnesota bands to be selected to go to Vienna, Austria to perform.  That created memories for me and the entire band that we have relived on many occasions, including performing together 20 years later.

So again, congratulations to the Moellers, the school and to this year’s Minnewaska Area High School Concert Choir.  Well done.