NYSSMA Chorus Awards

On April 28 and 29, the NYSSMA festival for choruses was held at East. Both Chorale and Women’s Chorus participated this year. Chorale sang O Clap Your Hands, by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Where Your Barefoot Walks, by David Childs, and Witness, by Jack Halloran. They received a gold with distinction, which is the highest award. The judges were very impressed by the performances, and gave good remarks on their diction, dynamics, and emotion. One judge was very touched by Where Your Barefoot Walks, and said that it reminded her of her great-grandson’s love for her. Women’s Chorus’s participation is unprecedented at East, as none of the previous choruses have been developed enough to be able to compete in the festival. This year, the group was very talented and had the skills to participate. The Women’s Chorus sang Festival Sanctus, by John Leavitt, A Girl’s Garden, by Randall Thompson, and Doraji, arranged by Audrey Snyder. They received a gold, which is the second highest award. Both groups did extremely well, and hope to maintain this performance in the coming years.