Hard work and countless hours of practice proved that the Oregon High School music department deserved an IHSA Class B third place trophy.

"It is a really big deal to earn third place," said choir director Mitch Lauer. "The students worked hard for this. We dominated this year and it is nice to see the hard work pay off."

Each year the band and choir students compete in a variety of contests which earn points towards the overall competition.

In March students performed during the solo and ensemble competition. This allows individual students to perform and be recognized for their efforts.

Small ensembles also perform during the event.

Students are allowed to perform in three instrumental and three vocal events during the solo and ensemble competition.

Later in the school year, the organizational contest is held.  This is where the everyone in the band and choir perform music they have prepared in class.

This year the OHS music department finished with 792 points which earned them third place.

Herscher was second with 840 points.  In first place was West Carroll with 921 points.

"Our goal is to get second next year," said Lauer. "We were only 48 points out of second."

Lauer said the contest is judged by qualified musicians and earning third place demonstrates the quality of music education the school provides.

The high school band is conducted by Andy Eckardt.

In the Class C competition Forreston finished in first place with 741 points.  This year they had a 90 point lead over second place finisher Prophetstown.