SCHOOLS: Honored musician chosen for music festival

Susitna Valley High School has always produced brilliant students; some excel in sports, others in academics. This year the Su Valley music standout is Lyra Eddings, a high school junior. She had the honor of being selected to attend the All Northwest Music Festival, which took place February 15th through 20th in Seattle, Washington. She had been preparing for months, tweaking her audition reel, and putting time and talent into her music. This annual festival brought together the most elite musicians from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Alaska. Festivities included numerous concerts and symphonies.

“I worked on my auditions for a few months,” Lyra said. Lyra was chosen to participate in the 80-member Wind Symphony for her wonderful clarinet skills. She was also chosen for her soprano voice in choir.

This is a “very rare” achievement, according to Susitna Valley’s music instructor Shauna Saatzer. Saatzer also mentioned she had never before heard of a student being selected for both band and choir.

Lyra herself was pleasantly surprised at the news, announced at the school’s Halloween Concert. After years of practicing at lunch, on weekends, and repeating song material, her hard work had paid off. Lyra has been a pivotal member of the Susitna Valley music program since she joined band in grade eight and additionally spent two years in the choir department.

Lyra said, “The Su-Valley music program helped me get better at playing the clarinet with the variety of music we play. It has kept me interested in playing and singing.”

On Feb. 15 Lyra, her mother, and director Shauna Saatzer traveled to Seattle for the festival. Both Lyra and Saatzer had an amazing learning experience. They brought back the knowledge of new techniques, tips, and tricks to share with their fellow musicians. Lyra was immersed in a sea of talented musicians. Along with attending the festival, Lyra visited the Seattle Aquarium, something she said she was very excited to do.

Lyra learned “that I can always get better.” Along with being chosen to attend this festival, Lyra received admissions to the All State Treble Choir and Honor Band.

“She’s pretty extraordinary,” Saatzer said.

Gabriella Faurot is a student at Su Valley High School