Kingfisher High School’s choir just completed a busy, memorable - and successful - two-week stretch.

It began March 31 when the members took part in the state choir competition at Oklahoma Baptist University.

The choir earned a “superior” rating - the highest that can be earned - in performance by all three judges.

The group also earned an “excellent” rating in sight singing, which is music they receive on the spot and have limited time to practice before performing it for the first time.

“The biggest compliment came from one judge who wrote, ‘I can tell you sight sing everyday,’” said Diann Magnus, the Kingfisher choral director.

This was the choir’s second superior at state after receiving the first one last year.

Choir members traveled April 7 to Nashville, Tenn., to perform at the Heritage Festival, a national festival with choirs from all over the United States.

On top of performing at the festival, the members got to take in some other exciting parts of Nashville.

“On Friday (April 8), they were excited to record their songs at RCA Studio B where such great musicians as Elvis, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton have recorded,” Magnus said. “They also visited the Country Music Hall of Fame where they saw displays of Garth Brooks, Wanda Jackson, Reba McEntire and others. They then visited the Johnny Cash Museum and did some souvenir shopping.”

Choir members the next day performed for the judges at the festival.

After their performance, they received a small onstage clinic with Angela Batey from the University of Tennessee.

The KHS choir also received a backstage tour of The Grand Ole Opry.

“They got their pictures taken in ‘The Circle’ where great musicians like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton have performed,” Magnus said.

That evening they attended the awards ceremony at the Wildhorse Saloon.

“Students from all over the country assembled to celebrate the hard work they have done and to receive their ratings,” Magnus said.

“They enjoyed line dancing and a live performance from upcoming musician Haley Mae Campbell.”Kingfisher had reason to celebrate.

The choir won first place gold and was invited to be a part of the National Youth Choir at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Seniors Stormie Shockey and Wayde Barrios had the honor to go forward to accept the award.

To participate in the prestigious National Youth Choir, schools must audition or score high enough at a Heritage Festival to be invited. Thirty-six schools participated in the festival and Kingfisher was one of only six who received an invitation.

“I’m extremely proud of this group. They have worked hard and they have seen the fruit of their labor this spring,” Magnus said, noting the ratings at the district and state competitions and then the accomplishments at the festival.

“They are a great group of kids. I hope they take the memories and lessons they have learned this year into the future.”