Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

A Haines Glacier Bear sophomore just returned from a trip to Anchorage where he participated in a performance with some of the best singers in Alaska as part of the Alaska State Honor Music Festival.

JC Davis, who just turned 16, was part of the mixed choir. He was the only singer to qualify from Haines this year after a competitive audition of 200 performers from around the state. About 80 made the cut, including Davis, who also plays trumpet as part of the Haines band and has been playing music as long as he can remember.

It was Davis's second year at the festival.

"This year was definitely better, the performance quality, the level of musicianship was a lot better," he said.

Davis and his dad, Haines music teacher Matt Davis, traveled to Anchorage last weekend. The younger Davis started rehearsals at 8 a.m. and didn't finish until 9 p.m., with just a few breaks for meals. After day three, they had a dress rehearsal, and then a three-hour performance, split between four groups.

Despite the rigorous schedule, Davis said he enjoyed the process. "It was really fun to rehearse and perform."

The group rehearsed five songs, each in a different language. In one of the songs, the group even danced along.

Davis said listening to some of the talented young women sing was one of the highlights.

"Their voices just blended with each other perfectly. Some parts of the songs gave you chills," he said.