The Ocean Lakes madrigal chorus earned a superior rating at the District Chorus Assessment on March 28, 2025. With outstanding commitment and great focus, the school obtained the blue ribbon status.
“[The chorus] has 33 people, [but we are] looking to expand,” conductor William Boardman said.
The blue ribbon status is given to schools who earn a superior rating in each fine arts department. Boardman worked toward earning the superior distinction once again, just as he had successfully done 18 times before.
“[We chose] grade level six [performances], the highest you can choose,” Boardman said.
To begin their assessment, they sang a piece titled “Woke up this Morning,” arranged by director Jeffrey Douma. They received straight one’s for this performance, which is the highest rating possible. The chorus also sang a piece titled “Jarba, Mare Jarbe,” which is a traditional Hungarian-Romani folk song arranged by composer Stacy Garrop.
“It is incredible to continue the tradition of earning superiors for the school,” sophomore Anna Lewis said.
