Warming up for the upcoming season, the St. Mary students on the school’s oral interp team have shown adviser Marcee Irlbeck their dedication to the competition. The coach said that this year’s team is buoyed by three years of experience that Amber Hanson brings to the table, as well as juniors Kiley Reecy and Mary Lack, both of whom have prior individual event experience.

And to prepare the less experienced newcomers, Irlbeck said that rehearsing for groups of fellow students is one strategy she utilizes.

“I like to meet with each performer as individuals to provide feedback and then have them perform for my sixth grade class, as well as their own peers in the high school,” she said. “If they can perform for people they know, performing for strangers is a little less scary.”

She said that leaders, including Hanson, Reecy, Lack, Nicole Brown, Anne Swift, Katie Eining and Julia Rush, will help new teammates find their footing. And experience elsewhere helps as well – though new to oral interp, Brandi Wolles brings work from the one-act and spring plays.

All in all, Ilrbeck is happy to work with a group that puts the effort and time into oral interp. “I really enjoy working with the girls because they are so excited to be on the team,” she said. “Their work ethic is their biggest strength.

“Many of these girls are in volleyball, cheer and band, so they have busy schedules. They always do a great job of practicing their pieces on their own time so they are ready to work with me when we have our one-on-ones.”

SCHEDULE
Oct. 31: Districts (Madison)
Nov. 13: Regions (University of Sioux Falls)
Nov. 30: State (Yankton)