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Contact:
Los Banos High School Music Department
Los Banos High School
Pacheco High School Music Department
Pacheco High School
Phone: (209) 826-6033
Email: media@losbanosusd.k12.ca.us
LBUSD Choir Students Energized Following Annual "SOUND OFF!" Festival at Fresno State
LOS BANOS, CA — Student vocalists from Los Banos High School (LBHS) and Pacheco High School (PHS) recently participated in the annual SOUND OFF! Festival hosted at California State University, Fresno. Organized and hosted by Dr. Cari Earnhardt, Director of Choral Activities at Fresno State, the event brought together approximately 350 choir students from across the Central Valley for a full day of collaborative music-making, workshops, and performances.
Representing LBHS and PHS were members of the choir's Tenor and Bass sections, accompanied by select Soprano and Alto singers. The students joined peers ranging from beginner vocalists to advanced high school performers, fostering an inclusive environment centered on shared artistic growth and community.
A highlight of the festival was an intensive workshop led by renowned guest conductor and educator Dr. Edryn Coleman. Throughout the session, students engaged in vocal technique exercises, ensemble blending, and expressive performance strategies alongside fellow singers from neighboring regional schools.
The festival concluded with a series of showcase performances. Several high school ensembles from across the Central Valley performed for one another, demonstrating diverse repertoire and musical artistry. The event featured a featured performance by the Fresno State Choir, offering high school participants a glimpse into collegiate-level choral music. "This was truly an energetic experience that never fails to leave students with a sense of excitement and looking forward to the rest of the year," said a Mr. Dillon Nelson, Director of Vocal Music from LBHS.
The finale featured a grand massed choir performance, uniting all 350 assembled students on stage in a pair of powerful, high-energy collaborative pieces. “Providing our students the opportunity to participate in the SOUND OFF! Festival at Fresno State is a wonderful example of the hands-on, collaborative arts experiences we strive to offer.” explained Superintendent Dr. Bree Valla. “Seeing our choir students engaging with collegiate-level experts and performing alongside peers from across the region confirms that our commitment to arts education is not just about technique—it's about building confidence, fostering community, and opening doors to future opportunities.”
