The Westfield High School Westwinds singing group recently completed a concert tour of the Colorado Springs, CO area.
While in Colorado, they were hosted by Shawna McQueen, of Vista Ridge High School, and Wes Sparkes, of Eagle View Middle School, who are both Grammy Music Educator Quarter Finalists. The Westwinds were given an opportunity to sing a concert for students at the two schools. They were also treated to performances of the host school’s singing groups, including the Vista Ridge High School Show Choir, which had just the day before won the Colorado State Show Choir Championship.
The Westwinds made other performances at various venues in the Colorado Springs area, including being able to sing in Polaris Hall, at the United States Air Force Academy, hosted by Air Force band oboist, Monica Ding, a friend of the Knappenbergers. Their itinerary also included some mountain hiking and horseback riding. They were also hosted by former Westfield residents, Dave and Hope Taylor and Mariah Taylor Bradford, who now live in Westcliffe, Colorado. “Mariah was a member of our group and it is always wonderful to re-connect with former students. It’s so exciting to take our kids to literally a different world in the mountains. They sang so well, and just blew everyone away with their talent and their personalities!” states Westfield music teacher and conductor, Kent Knappenberger. The Westwinds had fund-raised for two years to be able to pay for their tour. “This is one of the finest ensembles I’ve every conducted at Westfield. It was truly a joy to show them off to another part of the country!” states Knappenberger.