LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Students from Joe T. Robinson High, Maumelle High, Sylvan Hills High, and Mills University Studies performed at the end of the year Arkansas Choral Directors Association (ArkCDA) competitions.
Joe T. Robinson High
Two groups qualified from Robinson High School Choir to compete, the Concert Choir and the Singing Senators. Both groups earned Superior (Division I) plaques and Sweepstakes Awards. The Concert Choir earned the school’s first ever back-to-back Sweepstakes Award.
Maumelle High
Maumelle Hornet Choir earned an Excellent rating overall at the ArkCDA State Choir Festival during the State Choral Performance Assessment with scores of 88, 89 and 91.
Sylvan Hills High
Sylvan Hills High also made a strong showing at both the State Choir Festival and State Solo and Ensemble. At the State Choir Festival, their A cappella Choir and Vox Chorale both achieved a Superior rating and Sweepstakes Award. The Sylvan Hills High A cappella Trebles, A cappella T/B and Caeruleum Chorale each earned an Excellent rating. During the State Solo and Ensemble three soloists earned a Superior rating: Michael Barker, Hannah Burke, and Keziah Stinyard.
Mills University Studies High
This was the first year for Mills University Studies to attend the Region assessment. During the Solo and Ensemble event, two students, George Belt and Gustavo Miranda, received Superior ratings.
Only qualifying groups — those that had scored a Division I or II at a regional event — were eligible to compete at the State Festival. During the competition, groups were awarded a rating with the chance to earn a Sweepstakes Award for earning Superior ratings on both the regional and state levels in performance and sight singing. The State Solo and Ensemble featured performances from soloists, duets, trios, and small ensembles. Each performer or group was given a rating on their performance.
Dedicated to giving students across the state meaningful music experiences, ArkCDA has been hosting choral events since 1967. The State Festival was held at the University of Central Arkansas on April 15-19 and the State Solo & Ensemble was held at Parkview Arts & Science High on April 20, 2024.