POST FALLS - Post Falls High's combined select choir and band last weekend won the highest honor awarded at the Heritage Music Festival in Seattle - the Sweepstakes Award trophy - for the first time in school history.

Schools from throughout the West participated.

Matt Barkley, Post Falls High band director, took the Jazz Band 1 that received a gold award. Jazz Band 2 received a silver award and placed first in its division, Wind Ensemble.

Individually, Jasha Sandford received the Maestro Award for his solo performance on the soprano saxophone.

"Winning this award was the highlight of my high school career, and it has helped me determine that I want to major in music in college," he said.

The combined bands also received the Instrumental Sweepstakes award.

John Kracht, choir director, took his Troubador and Madrigal choirs, each receiving gold awards along with an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

"I am very pleased with how all the Post Falls groups performed," Kracht said. "They acted as ambassadors for our high school and for the entire community."

Kracht was assisted by student teacher Krista Brand, who conducted one of the numbers.

"These awards are just as much for the directors as they are for the students because without their hard work and leadership, the students would not be here," senior choir member Alex Carey said.

Choir member Lacy Tamasonis added: "I think our Seattle trip was the experience of a lifetime and the most fulfilling event of my high school career."