It’s been a tough year for lots of school-related activities and events due to COVID-19, and that is especially true for the Greene County High School Choir Department.

Choir Director David Heupel says the concert choir and ensembles have missed out on the Iowa High School Music Association Large Group Contest, the Solo and Small Ensemble Contest, as well as the Worlds of Fun Festival of Choirs. As for the jazz choir group, the Jazzatonics, they qualified for the Iowa Vocal Jazz Championships but those were cancelled due to COVID-19. Heupel points out another honor some of the choir students received was being selected to sing the National Anthem at the boys and girls state track meet this Friday, but again, that was cancelled. Heupel describes what that honor means to him and his program.

“We’ve had several solos or groups sing the National Anthem for state events over the years, but my favorite is to have a group sing for state track. The state track meet is personally just a fun event for me to go to and take kids to. The boys and girls are combined, (and) just a fun event with so many schools are represented. Hopefully again someday.”

Heupel adds, it’s an odd feeling to look at his calendar this spring and not have to prepare to go to contests or host concerts for the rest of the school year.