CRESTVIEW — The Crestview High School chorus returned from the State Choral Festival in Jacksonville in high spirits March 18, having received all "excellent" and "superior" grades from the judges.
"We had a great time at the festival!" senior Chanticleer show choir member Alex Andrews said after dismounting the bus. "We had another superior year at state."
Though the day began with a slight mix-up — the Crestview High bus arrived at the wrong university, but after a cross-town dash, got to the correct venue on time — it concluded with multiple accolades for the local show choirs, ensembles and soloists.
Alex said the mixed Chanticleer's "superior" score was especially satisfying because two of the show choir’s members were still learning choreography a week before state competition.
The all-women Destiny left Jacksonville with an "excellent."
"Both show choirs rose to the occasion and gave amazing performances," Alex said.
After choral music director Kevin Lusk added several members to Destiny this year, he split the group in two for ensemble performances. The group of younger girls scored a "superior" to the older girls' "excellent."
Following the morning performances, the state's top choral groups were selected for an inaugural honors performance. Chanticleer's women's ensemble was among the honorees.
Their performance of "Gather Ye Roses" was "amazing," Alex said.
"It's nice to see them get recognized like that," he said.
In solo performances, all of Crestview's vocalists — Morgan Seip, Maddie Anderson, Eli Rogers and Olivia Dunn — scored "superior."
"Now it is time to get to work for state for the women and our spring concert," Alex said. "We're getting ready to finish the year even stronger."
UPCOMING
About 75 members of the district-winning women's choir will represent Crestview at the state’s May 4 large choirs festival in Tallahassee.
The chorus' spring concert is 7 p.m. May 9 in the school's Pearl Tyner Auditorium.
Want to support the chorus?
Crestview High School’s chorus will have a car wash fundraiser April 6 at Carquest, 689 N. Ferdon Blvd., and AutoZone, 2045 S. Ferdon Blvd., in Crestview.
The chorus will have a bake sale at Sears, 1133 Industrial Drive, the same day. Funds benefit the school's choral music program.
Chorus winners
Crestview High School’s chorus scored highly during state competition March 18 in Jacksonville.
Show choirs:
Chanticleer: Superior
Destiny: Excellent
Ensembles:
Destiny No. 1 (Older): Excellent
Chanticleer Men: Excellent
Destiny No. 2 (Younger): Superior
Chanticleer Women: Superior*
*Chanticleer women were also selected to sing at the state choral festival honors performance
Solos:
Morgan Seip: Superior
Maddie Anderson: Superior
Eli Rogers: Superior
Olivia Dunn: Superior
Contact News Bulletin Arts & Entertainment Editor Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High chorus ranks ‘excellent,’ ‘superior’ at festival