The Ocean Lakes chorus earned straight superior ratings on its annual District Choral Assessment performed at Norview High School. The blue ribbon status was given to the school after all disciplines earned superior ratings.
In comparison to last year, we had a lot more people,” senior and chorus member Mia Fruit said. “It was exciting to get to share our love for music; it was especially encouraging to see so many underclassmen.”
The chorus performed on March 18, presenting its developing musical abilities. The assessment is divided into two categories: prepared performance and sight reading. The first part was held on stage while sight reading is often located in a different room with a different judge.
“There’s an approved music list that schools choose from, and there are different levels graded one through six,” choral director and conductor William Boardman said. “We go for grade 6, [the hardest], and we have been for a while.”
Three judges listened carefully to two songs prepared by each school’s choral director. Ocean Lakes first sang “O Salutaris Hostia,” a Latin hymn composed by Gioachino Rossini, then finished with “Cikala le Pong Pong,” a Pakpaknese folk song from North Sumatra, Indonesia.
“Considering [Cikala le Pong Pong included] choreography to memorize and perform in front of judges, it was a little nerve-racking; however, I don’t think we could’ve done it any better,” sophomore chorus member Melody Rushing said.
In order to receive Blue Ribbon Status, each music department must get a rating of “Superior” at assessment. Judges also provided written comments and advice following the performance.
“The performance was awesome, [and] I’m extremely proud of it,” Boardman said.
