Congratulations to the 160 singers who were selected for the 2nd KMEA All-State Elementary Choir. These 160 singers were chosen from 775 audition uploads and 8 judges. I would like to extend a thank you to each teacher that submitted an audition. This choir simply would not exist without teacher support. Last year there were 594 audition uploads. I want to personally thank President Martha Gabel for being the “brain-child” behind starting this choir. It was definitely needed with the overwhelming support from the Kansas Music Teachers!
This year the audition process involved two judges for each audition. This choir also used a new online system called “Festival Scores” designed by our very own webmaster, Troy Johnson.
The singers are being prepared for the day of rehearsal and performance by their vocal music teacher. Many of these rehearsals are during plan times, before and after school. The success of this choir depends on the excellent preparation of these dedicated teachers.
Elizabeth Núñez will direct the choir this year at KMEA. She is the Associate Artistic Director of the award-winning Young People’s Chorus of New York City, founded by YPC Artistic Director Francisco J. Núñez in 1988. She is also a conductor, choral clinician, soloist, and founding artistic director of The SoHarmoniums Women’s Choir. At YPC, an organization renowned for its diversity and supreme level of artistic excellence, she created and directs the acclaimed the Cantare chorus and serves as vocal coach for choristers in all six YPC divisions, ranging in age from 8 to 18, in rehearsals, performances, and for international tours to countries on four continents.
The concert will be presented on Thursday, February 23 in the Concert Hall at 5:45PM. Teachers will receive a free ticket at registration to attend the concert. All others may purchase tickets online on the KMEA website: ksmea.org
Jill Wiechman will take over as chair of this choir following the KMEA In-service Workshop. I am most appreciative of her assistance during the inception of this new choir at KMEA. This new choir will continue to thrive under Jill’s leadership and fine organizational skills. It has been a privilege to serve as the first chair of the KMEA All-State Elementary Choir.
