The Western Valley Conference 7-12 Grade Vocal Festival took place on Monday, February 27, 2023, at the Westwood CSD in Sloan, Iowa.  The Western Valley Conference schools participating were Kingsley Pierson, Lawton-Bronson, Maple Valley Anthon Oto/Charter Oak Ute, Odebolt Arthur Battle Creek Ida Grove, Ridge View, River Valley, West Monona, Westwood, and Woodbury Central.  The middle school and high school students rehearsed musical selections throughout the day to prepare for an evening concert. 
    The guest director for the Middle School Festival Choir was Ms. Casey Jo Allen. Ms. Allen is the vocal music director at the Elkhorn North High School in Elkhorn, Nebraska.   The accompanist for the middle school festival choir was Ms. Laura Garred.  
    MVAO middle school students chosen for the conference festival choir were: Sopranos-Hayden Armstead, Jersey King, and Jenna Rosener; Altos-Kaydee Allen, Kylee Allen and Katelynn Schaffer.
    Guest director for the High School Festival Choir was Mr. Brian Johnson.  Mr. Johnson is Co-Director of Choral Activities at Papillion La Vista South High School in Papillion, Nebraska. The accompanist for the High School festival choir was Mr. Bob Barry.
    MVAOCOU High School students chosen for the conference festival choir were: Jasmine Schaffer, Kylie Bohm, Hunter Dixon, Sara Rosener, Julia Gain, Myia Dean-Byas, Drew Zahnley, Claire Weber, Josie Umbach, Jaxson Welte, Jerrell Dean-Byas, Paige Schmidt, Chase Fox, Logan Reed, Emily Sorensen, and Brayden Doty.
    Congratulations to these students for representing the MVAOCOU CSD in this conference event.
    Photos submitted by Mrs. Else. Thanks, Crista!

    The MVAO 7th/8th grade Variety Show was held on Monday, March 13th. The original date for this annual event was March 9th, but a threat of rain and snow and its accompanying ice forced the move. Students in the 7th and 8th grade choir took time on the state in skits with their classmates. Only 3 were brave enough to present solos this year. All did a great job.
    Enjoy these photos from the variety show.

The evening began with the choir singing "Dynamite."

Kylee Doty sang "Walk Me Home."

Khloee Alioth, Kaydee Allen, Ella Brown, Kenley Creese, Irelynn Deeds, Emely Gonzales, and Keely Weber performed the skit "Jack."

Hayden Armstead and Jersy King recited thank you notes jokes.

Allison Moyle, Danika Alioth, Kylee Allen, Kenley Creese, Kylee Doty, Aiden Golden, Lisa Kerns, Jersey King, McKenzie Sanderson, and Grace Shaffer performed the skit "The Elevator Ride."

Jenna Rosener, Katelynn Schaffer, Brock Umbach, and Rick Masters told jokes.

Kaden Taylor and Danny Livermore performed the skit "Boat Rental."

Danika Alioth, Troy Schmidt, Aiden Golden, Khloee Alioth, and Lisa Kerns performed the skit "Nail Salon."

Ainslee Doty sang "Runaway."

Keely Weber, Kylee Allen, Ella Brown, Irelynn Deeds, Ainslee Doty, Emely Gonzales, Mckenzie Sanderson performed the skit "The Dr.'s Office."

Jaidyn Hardy and Chloee Hamman told jokes.

Jenna Rosener, Hayden Armstead, Jersey King, and Katelynn Schaffer performed "Count On Me."

Kaydee Allen recited a couple poems which she wrote.

Kaitlyn Bottjen, Chloe Hamman, Jaidyn Hardy, Claire Smallwood, and Kami Schrunk performed the skit "Hair Salon."

Kaitlyn Bottjen, Laire Smallwood, Chloe Hamman, Kami Schrunk, and Jaidyn Hardy performed the skit "PB&J."

Troy Schmidt sang "Darling."

Rick Masters, Danny Livermore, Kaden Taylor, and
Brock Umbach performed the skit "Lawnmowers."