A Decorated Musician: Ames High Senior Seth Durbin
At a time when most high school seniors are planning for graduation and what lies ahead, Seth Durbin leaves 2021 not only as an Ames High School graduate, but also as a decorated pianist. Playing piano for 10 years, the Ames High senior has received multiple awards in just the past two months.
Read moreAmes High Team Places Second in National High School Ethics Bowl Competition
In February, two Ames High teams competed virtually in the 2021 National High School Ethics Bowl (NHSEB). Under the direction of advisor Chad Zmolek, both teams performed well, with one reaching the championship round and finishing second.
Read moreIWCOA Girls State Wrestling 2021
Ames High athletics and the Ames Community School District would like to congratulate seven members of the Ames High wrestling team on a historic weekend at the 2021 Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA) Girls State Championships. The seven students who competed were the first athletes to ever wrestle at the girl’s state championships. The tournament took place on January 22 and 23 at the new Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa.
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The Making of An All-Stater
Acceptance into the Iowa All-State Music Festival is one of the most challenging goals for high school musicians to achieve. Each year, many Ames High students rise to the challenge as they embark on the journey to earn All-Stater status. The end goal is to make it to the Festival, a compilation of Iowa’s top high school band, orchestra, and chorus musicians. Yet, few make it. According to the Iowa High School Music Association, in 2019, 4,586 students auditioned, representing 286 of the state's high schools. Out of that, 601 students were accepted into the All-State Chorus, 278 into the All-State Band, and 226 into the All-State Orchestra. At AHS, approximately 12 percent of the students in band, orchestra or chorus audition, and even fewer make it to the Festival. A tedious preparation process requires all musicians to practice both in and out of school, starting as early as summer. Optional clinics, workshops, and camps help musicians effectively learn their music for the late-October audition. On top of their rigorous rehearsal schedule, students are challenged to keep up with academic, athletic, and personal obligations. Why do they do it? The consistent answer is a passion for music. “Music has always been a big part of my life,” said senior clarinet player, Sofiya Palasyuk. This same sentiment was echoed by other AHS students auditioning, including Yunjae (Daniel) Lee, violin; Sofiya Palasyuk, clarinet; Cassidy Peterson, alto; Madelyn Timmermans, trumpet; and Adam Wolf, tenor. Together, they have a combined eight years of experience performing at the Festival. Performing in the Festival each year of high school, also known as a four-time All-Stater, is one of the highest honors. Lee hopes to make 2020 his fourth appearance in the All-State Orchestra.
Read moreAll-State Music 2020
Congratulations to the 32 Ames High musicians who were selected for the 2020 Iowa All-State Music Festival. Auditions, which normally would have been held on Saturday, October 24, were instead conducted via video submission due to COVID-19. Over 4,000 musicians from high schools across the state of Iowa audition, of which approximately 17% will be selected for membership to one of three ensembles: band, orchestra or chorus. The prestigious concert event, which normally takes place in Hilton Coliseum, has been canceled for safety reasons. This year marks the 74th anniversary of the Festival.
Read moreAmes High School Drama Department presents “Guys and Dolls”
The streets of Broadway when fedoras, showgirls, and a few colorful shady characters ruled the street is is the setting for Ames High School’s production…
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