Only five in the state were chosen and our Austin High School Concert Choir was one of them.

The talented students, led by conductor Brian Johnson, will perform at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis April 18 at 7:30 p.m. for the Minnesota Choral Arts Finale.

The finale was started five years ago and is a showcase of the best high school choirs in the state.

Mr. Johnson said that this was the first year he applied for the program because of the quality of his choir both this year and in past years.

“They’re looking for consistency in the quality of music you’re doing,” Mr. Johnson said about the application process.

The AHS choir will be joined by the Mound Westonka Concert Choir, the Anoka High School Concert Choir, the Rosemount High School Men’s Ensemble and the Hastings High School Select Choir.

Each choir will perform individually for 12 minutes before coming together for a combined performance.

The hard work of Mr. Johnson and these students has paid off, and we congratulate them for their achievements.