Independence High School's Vocal Ensemble recently competed at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) District Large Group Contest, which took place at the beginning of March. The event was designed for school ensembles to showcase their choral singing technique and skills, including sight reading, which involved singing a four-part choral piece a capella (without accompaniment) after only a five-minute study.
Three adjudicators listened to the prepared pieces, while another adjudicator evaluated the sight reading event. The Vocal Ensemble's performance of "Ahrirang" arranged by Robert deCormier, "Come in from the Firefly Darkness" by Amy F. Bernon, and "Keep Your Lamps!" arranged by Victor C. Johnson earned them a Superior (I) rating at the district contest, thus qualifying them for the state contest.
On Friday, April 28, the OMEA state contest was held at Highland High School in Medina. The Vocal Ensemble put on a stellar performance and earned a Superior rating, which is the highest rating in the competition. This is the first time in the school's history that a choral ensemble has achieved a Superior rating at the state contest.
The Vocal Ensemble, which is composed of 40 students auditioned from grades 9 through 12, attends this contest every other year. On the opposite years, they prepare a pop and Broadway set for their biannual music department trip to Orlando, Florida. The ensemble's success at the OMEA District Large Group and State Contests is a testament to their talent and dedication.
