Staff Writer
Houlton High School was packed with not only high school music students this past weekend, but parents and friends. The Maine Music Educators Association’s State Vocal Jazz Festival for both jazz and show choirs began early Saturday morning with 35 schools participating. The competition began at 8:30 a.m. and was not completed until 11 p.m. that evening. Both the auditorium and gymnasium were filled with spectators watching the talented students.
TALENTED STUDENTS — Members of the Houlton High School Show Choir celebrate their second place award with lots of enthusiasm. Members of the group are, Lizzy Garcia, Sarah Gentle, Katie Good, Stephanni Kreyssig, Taylor Lindsay, Meghan Maker, Annie Nickerson, Tessa O’Donnell, Maryah Ranck, Kelsey Theriault, Ellie Widhalm, Anna Caron, Danielle Daigle, Marina DiMarco, Danika Fitzpatrick, Marcy Hernandez, Amber Hyman, Dakota Jenkins, Emily McGary, Adrianna Moreno, Lucas Anderson, Brandon Clark, Dustin Delano, Tyler Delano, Zacharia Harvey, Caleb Richardson, Zach Waite, Shawn West, Cody Woods, Aaron Anderson, Nick Hannigan, Lowell Matthews, Josh McFarland, Robby Stairs, Tyler Swimm and Jared Tapley. Rebecca DeWan is the director. Choreographer was, Annie Erkinnen, assisted by Amber Hyman and Marcy Hernandes, Kyle Green and Carole Bates, pianists with Jon Simonoff on bass and Nick Norton on drums.
"I was extremely pleased with the dedication and commitment of all our volunteers that helped make this event a success”, said Houlton High music director, Joe Fagnant. “It takes hundreds of volunteers, led by very organized leaders, to run an event of this magnitude,” he added.
Awards were given in six divisions, with several schools receiving a gold award that represents scores of 88 or higher. Many individual awards were also presented to the outstanding vocalists, rhythm sections and choreographers. Houlton will also be the site for the 2010 vocal festival.
The Houlton High School show choir is directed by Rebecca DeWan.
The high school Division II Show Choir results were first place, Mount Dessert Island, gold; second place, Houlton High School, gold and third place, Stearns/Schenck High School, gold.
Outstanding Male and Female vocalists, Eathen Miller and Stephanie Leonard, both of MDI. Outstanding Choreography, Stearns/ Schenck and Outstanding Rhythm Section, MDI.
In the Middle School Division I Show Choir: first, Sebasticook, gold; second, Skowhegan Area, gold and third, Caribou.
Outstanding Male vocalist, Cody Morin, Skowhegan, along with Outstanding Female vocalist, Michelle Rocker, Reeds Brooks.
Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Rhythm Section, Caribou.
Middle School Division II Show Choir top three finishers, first, Somerset Valley, gold; second, Pemetic, gold and third, Millinocket.
Outstanding Male vocalist and female vocalist, Nick LaGross, Somerset and Kate Forthofer of Pemetic, respectively. Outstanding Choreography was won by Somerset.
High School Division I Show Choir standings: first, Hampden Academy; second, Nokomis and third, Waterville.
Outstanding Male vocalist, Rogan Winch, Hampden and Outstanding Female vocalist, Hannah Tucker, Nokomis. Outstanding Choreography was won by Nokomis and Outstanding Rhythm Section went to Hampden.
High School Division I Jazz Choir results: first, Fryeburg Academy Vocal Jazz Ensemble, gold; second, Fryeburg Academy Eklektic Jazz Choir and third, Presque Isle.
Outstanding Male and Female vocalists Jared LaCasce and Louise Alfano of Fryeburg Academy. Outstanding Rhythm Section also went to Fryeburg Academy.
High School Division II Jazz Choir standings: first, Cheverus Jazz Singers, gold; second, MCI, gold and third, Ellsworth.
Outstanding Male and Female vocalists, Cameron Neal and Melanie Arias of MCI.
Outstanding Rhythm Section also went to Cheverus.粒
