Rice will sing at the state basketball tournament

Ryan Rice, an Eden Valley-Watkins junior, was chosen to sing the national anthem at this year’s Minnesota State Boys’ Basketball Championship. A few weeks ago, Rice received a phone call from the Minnesota State High School League (MNSHSL). Their first request was for Rice to sing for the State A and AA championship games on Saturday, March 22. Rice accepted the offer. Rice was encouraged to apply for this honor by his music teacher Kathy Pauls. While attending state championship events, Pauls always noticed the performers. She thought that this would be a great opportunity for some of her students, but she didn’t know how these performers were chosen. Pauls approached Larry Peterson, the superintendent of EV-W schools and past MNSHSL president, to ask him about this. Peterson informed Pauls that students had to send in an audition tape, and they would be chosen based on their tapes. After learning about the requirements, Pauls knew that Rice would be perfect for this opportunity. “Working with Ryan as a voice instructor, I noticed he could really do this. He has the confidence and lots of talent to match that confidence,” said Pauls. Using basic equipment in the EV-W choir classroom, the pair recorded an audition tape. Rice said, “We made the tape ourselves. Mrs. Pauls recorded me singing the national anthem a cappela,” which is something Rice is used to doing. “I have been involved with music quite a bit. I have sang the national anthem at school for basketball and volleyball games,” Rice explained. Rice also sings solos in the high school choir. Pauls said that Rice stands apart from other students. “He puts a lot of emotion into his performances. He is really full of energy and expression, which comes through as he performs. It is really thrilling to listen to him.” Rice’s music interest began in Kimball Rice was first taught music in the Kimball Elementary School by teacher Mrs. Sands. Noticing Rice’s talent, Mrs. Sands encouraged him to try out for the St. John’s Boys Choir. Rice took on the challenge and was accepted into the choir as a third-grader. As a member of the choir, Rice had the opportunity to travel and perform in Montana, Missouri, Washington, and along the west coast. Traveling abroad, the choir sang in Canada and the Bahamas. Rice was a member of this choir until he graduated in seventh grade.  March 22, a busy day for Rice Before Rice sings at the state tournament, he will audition for the Minnesota All-State Choir in St. Cloud. Rice explained that anyone in the state can try out for this opportunity.    In the All-State competition, students sing a solo and have to sing notes upon request. Pauls explained, “This is a grueling performance, students are judged on their tone and the voice itself.” The Minnesota All-State Choir selects students to perform in one of their three choirs – one male, one female and one mixed. About 75-80 students are chosen for each choir. “If I am chosen, I will have a one-week training camp in the Cities. We then get to perform for different groups including the state legislature and the state teachers’ conference,” said Rice.  It will no doubt be a busy day for Rice. Outside of the choir classroom, Rice hunts, skis, plays football, performs in school plays, and sings theatrical music. Rice will perform the lead in the upcoming EV-W production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” which will be performed in late April. Rice will be televised singing the national anthem during the Boys’ Basketball A and AA championship games. The performance can be viewed on Minn. channel 9 at around 12 noon on Saturday, March 22.