Berkeley Leader

The choirs of Goose Creek High went into spring break this year on a high note. Not much beats being told you are “superior.”

In the case of the singers from Goose Creek, they were told that several times in two days, at two different events. It was, arguably, magical.

The Goose Creek High Chamber Choir and Szirendal choir each performed in the South Carolina Music Educators Association Choral Performance Assessment on April 7. Szirendal (Hungarian meaning siren song) left the event with straight Superior (I) ratings in performance and Excellent (II) ratings in sight reading. The Chamber Choir, an advanced mixed choir, scored straight Superior (I) ratings in performance; Superior (I) ratings in sight reading and an overall Superior with Distinction rating.

Less than 24 hours later, the choirs were getting off a bus in Florida to compete against 10 other choirs from all over the country, in one of several recent Festival Disney events.

Mickey’s judges awarded both choirs straight Superior ratings for their performances. In addition, the Chamber Choir had the second-highest score of the weekend – earning a silver medal. Szirendal won “Best in Class” among all high school treble choirs.

Goose Creek High School Director of Choral Activities, Emily Bohl, said receiving those ratings means everything to her students.

“It was a very intense, but very successful 24 hours for our Goose Creek choirs,” she said.

It was also historic. The Szirendal choir had never competed in a live, adjudicated event before April 7.

“To walk away with a superior rating in performance from all the judges in their first year is fairly impressive!” Bohl said. “They are predominantly young and don’t have a ton of experience. They have worked very hard.”

The scores, winnings and ratings, Bohl said, are a true reflection of the commitment of her students. They worked during and outside of instructional hours to prepare. Meanwhile, choir section leaders and officers also assisted with preparing materials for the events, travel logistics etc.

“All of our personnel have worked to collectively push one another to a new level of artistic excellence. Yes, they are beautiful singers, but more importantly, they have the fortitude required to keep pushing despite any setback. (They) consistently continue improving. They make no excuses when things are tough, they just work harder. I couldn’t be more proud,” she said.

Having so much to celebrate coming out of a pandemic with limited performances and opportunities is “very encouraging” to Bohl.

“For Chamber to receive a Superior from all three judges and, in sight reading, coming out of a pandemic, when over 50 percent of their personnel learned virtually all last year, it reflects their dedication to consistent growth.”

Original source can be found here.