The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

During their opening song, “Lift You Up,” the cast sets the energetic atmosphere with the upbeat number.

FEATURE: Encore Lives On

Phoebe Morris March 30, 2023

On March 23, 24 and 25, upperclassmen choir students performed the 25th Annual Encore. With help from choir teachers Joshua East and Olivia Henning, the Lawrence community looked forward to seeing these...

On Feb. 23 the All-State Choir stands outside the Century II Convention center, where they rehearsed and performed. Photo contributed from Joshua East.

FEATURE: Singing to State

Conrad Hill March 21, 2023

After months of preparation, the chamber choir performed for the Kansas Music Educators Association at Wichita with the entire All-State choir on Feb. 25. Chamber choir first started practicing early...

On Feb. 7, 2023, Free State High School’s Chamber Choir and Lawrence High School Concert Choir sang at the annual All-City Choir Concert. Students from both high schools and middle schools put months of dedication into the concert. Among the songs they learned and performed, Alleluia by Jake Runestad was an audience favorite.

FEATURE: All City Choir Inspires With Song

Evie Chancy February 18, 2023

After hours of rehearsals, the combined choirs from Lawrence Public high schools and middle schools took the stage in the annual All City Choir event at the Lied Center on Feb. 7. The show consisted...

Photo by Emma Hardesty

Students sing the praises of new choir teacher

Cici Hunter, Reporter October 4, 2021

Joshua East is the latest addition to the fine arts program. Working beside Olivia Henning , East co-teaches the performance choirs and is the lead teacher for Chamber choir. East started his career...

Teachers adapt music classes for online learning

Teachers adapt music classes for online learning

Nisa Khosh, Reporter November 2, 2020

For choir director Scott Ireland, this semester has been a "never-ending cycle" of Webex, Flip Grid, SmartMusic, emails and planning. Assistant Orchestra director Russell Clark has also been adapting...

Head choir director Hilary Morton announces resignation

Head choir director Hilary Morton announces resignation

Sabrina Castle, Editor-in-Chief April 11, 2019

After being head director of the school’s choir program for 13 years, Hilary Morton has announced her resignation from the position after this school year. Living in Lawrence her entire life, Morton...

Photo Gallery: Encore

Photo Gallery: Encore

Emma Pravecek, Madison Goeser, and Nick Burket April 4, 2018
A photo gallery from the annual student's choice choir show, Encore.
Consultant Tajma Stetson (Michael Tolbert) applies lipstick to Angela Mansbury (Scott Ireland) to prepare for the evening gown contest. There’s a women inside of us all Stetson said. Some of us get lucky enough to put them on stage.

Bringing on the Men

Jackson Barton, Online Editor in Chief February 6, 2018

Following rapturous cheers, the curtains open, revealing only a single grand piano stage left. For a drag competition, it’s a remarkably modest set. Immediately, assistant choral director Scott Ireland,...

Encore 2017

April 20, 2017

During Concert Chorale, Hilary Morton conducts her students as they sing White House. Morton has been a choir director at Free State for nine years. I have Chamber Singers Monday nights, Feminist Club every other Wednesday and now with Encore, I work Wednesday and Thursday nights and come to rehearsals throughout the weekend, Morton said.

Choir Director juggles nodules, busy schedules

Maya Hodison, Reporter March 15, 2016

Nodules are small blisters formed on the thin folds of the vocal cords caused by overuse of the speaking voice, improper singing, a prolonged cold or just weak vocal cords to begin with. Choir...

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