By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News | Photo courtesy of Emery High

On Friday, Jan. 30, the Emery High Honor Choir made the trip to Salt Lake City for a unique opportunity: singing before the State School Board in the state Capitol.

“This is actually the second time I’ve been asked to do this for the State School Board at the ‘Day on the Hill’ event. Two years ago, we were unable to fulfill this assignment due to the number of students who were on the swim team,” said Director Dave Bird. 

This time, however, through a connection with the local school board, the choir was able to make the trip to perform.

“It was an important time for us to communicate with our elected officials and communicate to them through meaningful dialogue about concerns that we have; making sure they have been educated to ensure that priorities are preserved and opportunities afforded to all students,” shared Bird of the event’s importance. “I believe our appearance to hear from a rural school was a great way to represent the little guys.”

This performance continued a trend of musical excellence for schools across the Castle Country. In 2025, the Carbon High marching band was invited to perform at the National Veterans Day Ceremony in Washington, D.C. The combined Emery/Carbon marching band has also become a fixture at Utah’s annual Days of ’47 parade.

To participate in the affair, students in the choir left Castle Dale at 4 a.m. to reach the Capitol on time, demonstrating significant dedication. “We are very much connected in the music, and we need all parts present,” remarked Bird.

“This was also a wonderful way for the students to represent our high school before the State School Board. I personally am super proud of these kids and what we accomplished in the sound that was created today,” closed Bird. “That is a reflection of the quality that takes place at Emery High School, not just in music, but in academics and athletics as well.”