The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

If there's something outside of singing that the Sisters High School Jazz Choir is adamant about, it's bonding and creating lasting memories. Over the years the jazz choir has been known to take exciting trips, whether it be to Disneyland, Ashland, or even just the Old Mill for caroling.

The group chose to continue the tradition last month, taking a trip to Newport to perform at three locations around the coast. Their venues included the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Oceanview Senior Living facility, and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

"It was cool being able to sing at the aquarium...we sang in the shark tubes and the stingrays started circling us. The worker said he'd never seen them do that before," said senior Teague Wessel.

The group of 11 choir students was led by Julie Cash and Steve Livingston. The choir performed six of their songs, including "Hold Your Head Up High," "When I Fall in Love," and "What A Wonderful World."

Performing for a crowd at the senior center was the favorite part for many of the choir members.

"This trip was a great bonding opportunity...it was especially cool singing for the senior residents because they really appreciated it. You could tell they were really grateful to have us there and singing for them during their lunch break, " said senior Kendall Guiney.

During their four-day trip, the group engaged in activities other than just singing.

"One of my favorite parts was sitting around the fire and writing on cards one thing we were ashamed of and one thing we were proud of. We all went around saying the things we were proud of and then putting the rest of the card in the fire," said Wessel.

The jazz choir is currently preparing for the annual Choral Pops Concert scheduled at Sisters High School Auditorium on Tuesday, May 21. The concert will feature choirs from both Sisters High School and Sisters Middle School.