BAND … Students perform as part of the Williams County Honors Band during the annual All-County Music Festival held on November 16 at Hilltop High School.
CHOIR … High School Honors Choir students from across Williams County take the stage at Hilltop High School for the annual All-County Music Festival.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Hilltop High School welcomed many of Williams County’s top young musicians on Sunday, November 16, 2025, for the annual All-County Music Festival.
The event, held at 3:00 p.m. in the Hilltop High School gymnasium, featured the Junior High Honors Band, High School Honors Choir, and High School Honors Band.
Students from throughout Williams County were selected for this year’s ensembles. Three clinicians led this year’s groups. Samuel Maran for the Junior High Honors Band, Dr. Jessica L. Gallagher-Steuver for the High School Honors Choir, and Chris Lyons for the High School Honors Band. Each brought decades of combined experience in music education, directing, and performance.
A written welcome from Millcreek-West Unity Superintendent Steven J. Riley opened the program. Riley thanked students, families, and county music educators for their support and noted the important role the arts play in local schools.
The Junior High Honors Band began the afternoon with a four-piece program under the direction of Samuel Maran, Director of Bands at Lake Local Schools. Their selections included March Bravissimo, A Song for Peace, Distant Horizons, and Crusade.
The High School Honors Choir followed under Dr. Gallagher-Steuver, who currently serves as the Artistic Director of Windsong Cleveland and conductor of the University Chorale at Case Western Reserve University. The choir performed You Are Light, Thankfully, Music of Life, and Sisi Ni Moja.
Closing the event was the High School Honors Band directed by longtime Evergreen band educator Chris Lyons.
The group performed Circus Scenes, A+: “A Precise” Prelude and an “Excellent” March, Song for Friends, and Metrodance.
Music directors from each district assisted in preparing the students for the festival, which drew a strong audience of families and community members.
The event once again highlighted the cooperation among Williams County schools and the commitment to providing meaningful musical opportunities for students.