'Best singers in Ohio'

SANDUSKY — Quite literally, two local senior students from neighboring school districts hit the right notes to take part in a prestigious state singing event. Zach Haas, of Sandusky High School, and Jaden Lyons, of Perkins High School, recently attended the Ohio Music Education Association Conference and performed in the all-state choir. The conference represents an opportunity for music educators and select students, like Haas and Lyons, to explore the world of music education. In addition to performances, the conference also features demonstrations and exhibits from music organizations. After a rigorous audition, the conference selects only a handful of eligible students to participate in this all-star-like production. Lyons described the group of participating students as the best singers in Ohio. To be selected, the students had to audition for a seat. Hundreds of students from across the state tried for this opportunity, but only 140 were chosen. This accomplishment takes hard work, dedication and talent, according to Haas' mother, Cali Griggs. She compared it to a sports team competing at the state level. Griggs said the two students were the only ones from Erie County to be selected for this honor. "The audition itself wasn't too stressful, but waiting to see if I had been accepted or not was," Haas said. "I felt like I did good, but I wasn't sure that I would be good enough compared to everyone else who auditioned." Before their performance, there were several preparation steps the students had to take, such as participating in regional rehearsals and taking part in long practice days once they were in Columbus. They sat in sessions lasting hours before they could take breaks. "These songs were difficult," Lyons said. "I had to be actually engaged in doing it or else I was going to throw off the people around me." Despite how busy their days were, Lyons said it was all a lot of fun. The choir sang 11 songs, which Haas said was a lot, but the group's focus and coordination left him confident in the singers' abilities. "I did a lot of singing, obviously, but also we had to work on timing and articulation to make sure we were all coordinated as a group. And I had to stay very hydrated," Haas said. This opportunity came with all the things Lyons said he enjoyed about choir events, like meeting people and "showing off and flexing a little bit." Future Grammy winner When he finally got the news that he would be participating in the all-state choir, Haas said he felt amazing and immediately wanted to start preparing when he received the email notification. Haas's reasons for auditioning were close to home for him and date back to 2024. This is his second year participating in the choir. His first audition was in 2025, a year after his sister, Sasha Haas, performed. He said his sister is an inspiration to him, and he is passionate about music and strives for musical success. "I have a strong passion for music and am looking to pursue music education further in college, so to know that I am held to such a high level of standards and to be able to have these opportunities. I am just over the moon," Haas said. "I also get to meet and connect with great musical clinicians who are masters in their craft." Griggs said her son's family bursts with pride for him. "He is constantly working to enhance his talents and pushes himself outside his comfort zone to do and try something new and different, and he is always knocking it out of the park," Griggs said. "He also plays trombone and recently secured a first chair spot in the district two honor band. He just keeps on amazing us with all the things he accomplishes." Her son's accomplishments do not stop here. Later this month, the family will be traveling to Milwaukee for his performance as a member of the Midwest Region High School Honor Choir for the American Choral Directors Association. Out of the 528 participants from 10 states allowed to apply, Haas is one of 18 from Ohio. Haas's family — including his two sets of parents, grandmother and sister — were in the audience watching the "incredible" performance as described by his mother. Despite Haas's future in music being a surprise, his family is certain about his success. When he was younger, Griggs thought he would end up as an engineer, but after joining the A Cappella Choir and Band, she said his teachers helped "unlock a door to an untapped talent he had." "We have no doubt if he stays on this path, he'll be extremely successful and happy in life," Griggs said. "His Grandma always says, 'He's going to win a Grammy for Grammy.'" 'No one else is me' Lyons' inspiration for auditioning came from Haas' participation in the past. The two were talking about the opportunity, which led Lyons to ask his choir director about it. "I was like, 'Hey, you have an amazing singer on your hands right here. Why haven't you told me to audition?'" Lyons said. "He was like, 'No one else has ever gotten in.' And I was like, 'Well, no one else is me.'" When Lyons auditioned for this opportunity, he did not expect to be chosen. When the acceptance notification came through, he said he was overcome with shock and surprise. On the day of the performance, Lyons also had a group of supporters in the stands watching him, including his parents, stepmother, brother and the district's music staff. He said his grandfather wanted to join, but the distance was too much. "It's been nothing but love for me," Lyons said. "They were like, 'You were doing so great, you're amazing.'" Even though Lyons is not fully committed to where he wants to continue his education or what to do after college, he is exploring the University of Akron as a possibility. He is thinking of eventually bringing his talents back to his alma mater.