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Cardinal Mixed Ensemble performing at the Iowa High School Music Association Large Group Festival.
Cardinal Mixed Ensemble via Melody Exline

posted May 30, 2023

Congratulations to the Cardinal CSD Music Department for earning two Division 1 and two Division 2 scores at the Iowa High School Music Association Large Group Festival!

Bass Clef and Mixed Choir earned Division 1, while Treble Choir and Band brought home the Division 2 scores. Division 1 is the highest rating you can get out of five. Students competed against 2a school ensembles from across the state in the festival.

“They broke a school record,” says Megan Guest, Vocal Music 5-12 teacher. “We have never received a 1 for choir at Large Group in the history of the school. When I told the students, they gave a big cheer.”

While Band has earned a Division 1 rating in the past, this is the first for our choir. 

“We have some new credibility and affirmation because we have received this rating,” Guest explains. “ I know it won't happen every year because every judge is different, and judging is subjective, in addition to a different personnel list and circumstances leading up to the contest.”

Guest is determined to keep up the hard work, teaching the students to be proud of their accomplishment but not complacent. They earned their score this year by being prepared in class and practicing one of each group’s competition pieces since the start of the year. They’ll do the same in future years.

We are so proud of all of our students and Guest’s hard work and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the years to come! Videos of the concert can be found on Melody Exline’s YouTube Channel.

From our first interaction with the staff at Cardinal schools, we felt at home. The entire staff is amazing and we feel that we have a trusted partner in our children’s education. The greatest testament to their success is that our kids love going to school. There is nothing more welcoming as a parent than to have a school that you trust to take care of the most precious thing in your life. Cardinal School District does just that.
Ellis and Barbara Codjoe · Cardinal Parents
Cardinal School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age (for employment), socioeconomic status (for programs), religion, disability, creed, national origin, marital status (for programs), sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity in its educational programs and employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or grievance related to this policy, please contact the district’s equity coordinator, Cindy Green.

The Cardinal Community School District offers career and technical  programs in the following service areas:
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Health Science
Human Services
Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management

Cindy Green - cindy.green@cardinalcomet.com
Middle School Principal/Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Equity Coordinator
4045 Ashland Rd.
Eldon, IA 52554
(641) 652-7531

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