Over 1,000 of South Dakota's best high school vocal and instrumental musicians gathered in Rapid City for the 69th Annual South Dakota All-State Chorus and Orchestra on Friday and Saturday, October 29 and 30.

Making up the quartet are Emma Hofer-Stotz, junior; Kali Maynard, senior, Apollo Weddell, senior; and Riley Houseman, senior. Carlin Hopkins, sophomore and Bradley Dangel, senior, were alternates and were also prepared for the concert.

Riley Houseman and Apollo Weddell were recognized for being four-year participants, having been chosen in each of their four years of high school.

These six students worked on seven songs of very hard caliber, in which were either foreign languages or cultural pieces. The students were very committed in preparing for the distinctive event and in preparing for the rigid spot checks.

The guest conductors for the 69th All State Chorus were Dr. Kevin Suetterlin from Concordia College and Dr. Russell Svenningsen. Dr. Suetterlin conducted the All-State Orchestra and Dr. Svenningsen conducted the All-State Chorus. Dr. Svenningsen is an associate professor of music at Augustana University where he teaches applied voice, aural skills and is the conductor of the University Chorale. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in music education from Boston University, a Master of Music in choral conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Music in music education from Concordia College Moorhead.

Svenningsen is an active conductor, performer, and clinician. He has worked as clinician and guest artist with professional, high school and community choirs across the United States and abroad. Recently, he has appeared with both the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra. He is also a member of the GRAMMY-nominated South Dakota Chorale.

Assisting the Andes Central chorus students with their preparations for the concert was Mrs. Julie Rysavy, vocal director at Andes Central School District.