BHS Choir and Band Earn Top Honors at OMEA State Contest

The Bellefontaine High School Music Department continues to demonstrate excellence, with both the Symphonic Choir and Symphonic Band earning Superior ratings at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) State Contest held at Lakota East High School on Friday.

The BHS Symphonic Choir secured a Superior rating for the tenth consecutive

year, showcasing their consistency and outstanding performance. Under the direction of Brice Henry and with accompaniment from Leslie Steiner, the choir once again proved itself among the best in the state.

The BHS Symphonic Band, led by Director Ken Hoffman, also earned a Superior rating. In addition to their stage performance, the band achieved a Superior rating in sight-reading—an impressive accomplishment where students must perform a new piece of music without prior practice. This marks the first time since 2013 that the BHS Band has earned the top sight-reading honor.

Both ensembles advanced to the State Contest by receiving Superior ratings at the District 11 Adjudicated Event hosted at Bellefontaine High School in March.

OMEA scores groups on a five-tier system: I (Superior), II (Excellent), III (Acceptable), IV (Poor), and V (Very Poor). Only groups receiving a I rating at District are eligible to compete at the State level.

BHS Orchestra Director Laura Mitchell also led the Bellefontaine High School Orchestra to success earlier this spring, earning an Excellent rating at the State Contest.

Director Brice Henry shared, “The students worked really hard, and I’m very proud of them!”
Band Director Ken Hoffman added, “To say that I'm proud of them is an understatement—these students are spectacularly talented and dedicated!”

Bellefontaine High School continues to shine as a leader in music education, celebrating the talent and commitment of its student musicians.