By Whitney Lee
Director of Middle School and High School Choirs
Last year was the first year for Mannford Choirs to go to District Contest for a rating in many years. The Cambiata Singers (7th-8th Grade mixed choir) received a I Rating in the Sight Reading portion of the contest (not easy to do!) We’ve also had several soloists receive I ratings at District and State Contest over the past 3 years.
We have a concert this Friday in the MPF at 7pm. The concert will feature a variety of music from G.F. Handel to Disney’s Frozen, including some holiday tunes. The concert will conclude with a combined piece called “Our Gift For You” in which all choir members grades 6-12 will sing together.
Something I’m very proud of in the high school is the “Helping Hands Crew.” Every year, the Concert Choir elects 3 students that will focus on how we can be a “force for good” in the school and community. Our current project is making blessing bags for the homeless.
Some recent events that we heve been involved in include a concert choir performed at two local Veteran’s Day services this year as well as an Oiler’s Hockey Game. In addition, five students attended the REAL MEN SING young mens vocal workshop at OU this fall and two students were selected to sing in the NCDA all district choir this fall.
I would also like to share some some upcoming events that I believe the public may be interested in include an event on Monday the 7th. We are having fundraiser at the Mannford Pizza Hut from5-8pm. On Monday the 14th the Cambiata Singers are Christmas caroling and next week soloists will start selecting their solos for district contest. Also this spring, we will go to choir contest and have a spring concert in the MPF. We will have our 4th annual Dinner Show Fundraiser at Lakeside Baptist Church in MayThe theme this year is Hollywood Hits: Music from the Movies.
Mannford choirs are made up of the:
Prelude Girls Choir
This choir is made up of 6th grade girls enrolled in beginning choir and will focus on building the fundamental skills required for 7th and 8th grade choir. This choir will rehearse during the school day and have performances in the multipurpose facility every semester. This class will also have regular lessons and examinations in Music Theory and Music History.
Prelude Boys Choir
This choir is made up of 6th grade boys enrolled in beginning choir and will focus on building the fundamental skills required for 7th and 8th grade choir. This choir will rehearse during the school day and have performances in the multipurpose facility every semester. This class will also have regular lessons and examinations in Music Theory and Music History.
Cambiata Singers (7th-8th)
This choir is made up of 7th and 8th grade girls and boys who choose to enroll in the class. This choir rehearses during the school day and performs in concerts, community events, and contests. This class will also have regular lessons and examinations in Music Theory and Music History. .
Concert Choir (9th – 12th)
This choir is made up of 9th-12th grade men and women selected by an audition. Auditions are held at the end of each spring semester for the following fall. Additional auditions may be called at the end of the fall semester if needed. This choir rehearses during the school day and performs in concerts, community events, and contests.
Show Choir (9th – 12th Audition Only)
This choir is made up of 9th-12th grade men and women selected by an audition. Auditions are held at the end of each spring semester for the following fall. Additional auditions may be called at the end of the fall semester if needed. This choir rehearses during the school day and performs in concerts, community events, and contests.