Started in 1993, the South Dakota Honor Choir has happened every year, minus a few blizzards, and every year Stevens has had students represented on that stage. As well, one of our teachers plays a key role in the choir sitting on its board. Choir teacher Mrs. Ann Deckert has been on the board of directors since 2007.

Part of being on the board requires Deckert to invite guest directors to direct the honor choir in their show. These directors are not randomly picked, they are usually referred to her by someone or are said to be a good director that would do well directing the honor choir. If she thinks they would be a good fit, she will reach out to them and ask them if they would like to come to SD and direct.

She also gives feedback on whether the pieces are a good fit or if they need to add pieces or take away pieces.

There are two choirs, a mixed choir (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) that has their own director and accompanist, and an
all-women’s choir that has different music, different director, and different accompanist. Once the event begins the director and accompanist start practicing with the choir.

And although you may think that Mrs. Deckert could not take on anymore responsibilities, she also is in charge of
finding instrumentalists if needed for a certain song. Along with finding someone to play the needed instrument, she also has to make sure they have practiced enough as well as making sure the choir and instrumentalists practice with the choir before the big night.

She also does smaller things such as making sure meals are ready for students when they have their break. So
if you think you could take over Mrs. Deckert’s job for even a day, you are greatly mistaken.