This November, SAHS choir students auditioned alongside hundreds of students from high schools across Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties for placement in the PMEA District 1 Chorus, one of the most competitive and prestigious musical honors in the region. We are proud to announce that 11 Shaler Area students have been selected to represent our district at the 2026 PMEA District 1 Chorus Festival, to be held January 8–9, 2026, at McKeesport Area High School.
Shaler Area Students Selected:
- Brandon Aryee
- Alexis Bankowski
- Emily Bedeck (Accompanist)
- Aubrielle Costic
- Elizabeth Dunlevy
- Sydney Gross
- Tyler Swartzendruber
- Abigail Tepshich
- Logan Tepshich
- Abigail Walker
- Adam Zang
In addition to the outstanding achievement of our singers, we are celebrating a historic milestone for Shaler Area. Emily Bedeck was selected as a PMEA District Chorus accompanist through a separate and highly competitive audition process. This marks the first time Shaler Area has ever had a student accompanist represent our district at a PMEA District Chorus festival.
During the festival, students will rehearse and perform under the direction of Dr. Christopher Kiver, Director of Choral Activities at Penn State University, working alongside some of the top student musicians in District 1. The culminating concert will take place on January 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Kristin Tepshich, Director of Choirs for Shaler Area High School shared, “I wholeheartedly commend these students for their commitment, discipline, and musical excellence. Their success reflects countless hours of preparation both in and out of the classroom, and I am confident they will represent Shaler Area School District with pride, professionalism, and distinction.
Thank you for your continued support of music education and the performing arts. Opportunities such as PMEA play a vital role in fostering student growth, leadership, and lifelong engagement in the arts. It is an honor to share our students’ accomplishments with you.”
