The Marietta High School Choir returned home from Chicago, Ill. with a collection of awards and memories.

During their trip beginning April 16, the school’s three choral ensembles–Cantabile, Bass and Treble–each earned Gold First Place honors at a prestigious choral competition.

In addition to their first-place finishes, the Cantabile and Bass Choirs received the Adjudicator’s Award, recognizing their exceptional musicality and performance quality. The Cantabile Choir also earned the Overall Best Choir Award, marking them as the top-performing ensemble of the entire event.

The students were under the direction of Scott Rieder, who leads all three choirs as well as Mixed Choir, Vocal Point, Handbells One and Handbells Two.

Beyond the competition, the choir members experienced some of Chicago’s main attractions.

Their itinerary included attending a performance of Hamilton, visiting the Hancock Building, exploring Navy Pier and enjoying an evening at Medieval Times.

The trip concluded with a return to Marietta on Sunday, where the group was greeted by a police escort.

The Cantabile, Bass and Treble Choirs will attend the OMEA State Competition on Saturday.

Upon their return Sunday, the choirs will launch their annual Tag Day fundraising event.

Community members can support the program by welcoming choir students who will be visiting neighborhoods to collect donations.

Those wishing to contribute can send donations to Marietta Choir Boosters, PO Box 635, Marietta, OH 45750, or make online contributions at https://app.99pledges.com/fund/mhschoirspring26.