TOPEKA (KSNT) — Students at Washburn Rural High School were taking their talents to the next level — inviting the community to experience a performance typically reserved for college-level ensembles.
On the night of Saturday, May 2, students brought that performance to life at the Grace Episcopal Cathedral, where band, orchestra and choir members joined together for a full chorale and chamber performance.
The students performed “Requiem” by Gabriel Fauré — a 30-minute piece known for its complexity and emotional depth. The performance showcased a level of musicianship not often seen at the high school level.
“It’s not just music, but this is intellectual music — it’s also meaningful music,” said Ben Holcomb, director of choirs at Washburn Rural. “This is something that not a lot of high schoolers get to do.”
Holcomb said while the school’s music programs often collaborate, this production required an entirely new level of planning and commitment. Students and staff spent the entire 2025-26 school year preparing for the performance.
“We’ll combine here or there, but nothing to this scope,” Holcomb said. “A year-long sequence of planning to get here by May — that’s pretty rare. It would’ve been way easier to do it separately, but we’re going the extra mile.”
“A chance to be proud:” Cinco de Mayo festival in downtown Topeka highlights culture
Students said the experience went beyond music and it allowed them to build new relationships and strengthen teamwork across programs.
“I have made some new friends that I hadn’t really talked to in previous years,” said senior choir student Max McKibben. “Working as a team to accomplish one goal brings us closer.”
For McKibben, performing a masterwork like Fauré’s “Requiem” also provided a glimpse into his future.
“This is everything I ever wanted,” he said. “These kinds of masterworks are exactly what I need to have that next level of experience when I go into college.”
Holcomb, now in his fourth year at Washburn Rural, said each year is meant to build on the last — leading to moments like this performance, which he described as a culmination of growth, dedication and passion amongst his students.
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
