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Three Avon Lake HS students perform with All-State Choir
Avon Lake High School seniors Sarah Higley and Emily Cline (sopranos) and junior Caleb Orr (tenor) were among the 166 chorale singers selected to for the Ohio Music Education Association All-State Choir. Senior Sarah Scott (soprano) was chosen as an alternate.
The students participated in regional rehearsals and came together with their peers in Cincinnati in late January to perform under the direction of Temple University Chair of Choral Music Dr. Paul Rardin.
All four singers are members of the Avon Lake Chorale and Merples, the school’s 20-member elite a cappella ensemble.
“The OMEA All-State Choir is the best of choral students throughout Ohio,” said Michael K. Lisi, ALHS Director of Choral Activities. “Many schools do not have any representation; to have four selected is a major achievement for Avon Lake High School.”
Avon Lake High School Chorale performs at St. John the Divine in NYC
The Avon Lake High School Chorale, under the direction of Michael K. Lisi, recently returned from a trip to New York City. As part of the tour, the 102 students performed several pieces at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine Episcopal Church – the largest Cathedral in the world.
“St. John the Divine is the ultimate performance venue for all serious choirs,” said Lisi. “This type of space is the only place a choir can experience the sound originally conceived by the composers of the traditional a cappella music we study and perform.”
Avon Lake High School Chorale advances
After earning a Superior rating at the District Large Group Adjudicated Event in March, the Avon Lake High School Chorale advanced to the State Adjudicated event April 22 in hopes of earning a superior rating at the final season adjudicated event. The Chorale performs in the AA category, which is the highest level of difficulty, and will perform the following pieces: “Ubi Caritas” by Maurice Durufle; “The Lady in the Water” by Eric William Barnum; and “Rockin’ Jerusalem” by Stacey Gibbs.
In addition to the large group, several members of Chorale and the school’s DaCantari Choir and the Merples elite a cappella group, performed at the DistrictSolo and Ensemble Adjudicated Event, earning several “1” and “2” ratings for their efforts.
For all of those looking to attend a Cleveland Indians game this season, consider buying tickets for the May 6 game. The Avon Lake High School Merples will sing “The Star Spangled Banner” at Progressive Field preceding the game against the 2015 World Series Champion Kansas City Royals.
The choral program, which also includes the Women’s Chorus, Men’s Chorus, and Da Cantari, will conclude their 2015-16 performance schedules with a Spring Concert May 12 at the school’s Performing Arts Center, 175 Avon Belden Road. The public is welcome. Tickets are $5 for adults, $1 for students, and senior citizens are free.
