Darlington’s Concert Choir traveled to Orlando, Fla., the weekend of April 20 to compete at Festival Disney. While the group would qualify as a Single A school, they decided to compete in Triple A against schools with an enrollment of 1,201 to 1,600.
“The choir came away with a Superior rating and the Best in Class Award for Triple A,” said Dan Bishop, choral director and chairman of the fine arts department. “One of the adjudicators also invited them to perform at Rollins College, where he is choral director, during the 2007-08 school year.”
The festival series schedule included two days of adjudicated performances, where ensembles received valuable written and recorded feedback from nationally recognized music educators. At the conclusion of the event, the students took part in the Festival Disney Awards Ceremony.
At the competition, the Concert Choir sang “Homeward Bound” by Keen/Althouse, “O My Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose” by Clausen, “Amor De Mi Alma” by Stroope, and “Tell the Earth to Shake” by Walker.
According to Bishop, one of the adjudicators wrote in his comments: “Superb literature, quite difficult and mature for a school of your size. Glad you decided to enter in Triple A instead of Single A. You are wonderfully poised and elegant.”
All the ensembles received an exclusive Festival Disney Award, and each member of the ensemble received a Festival Disney Medal to commemorate their participation. Festival Disney is open to junior, middle and high school music groups.
The Concert Choir’s next performance will be Sunday, May 6 at 4 p.m. in Morris Chapel.
