Choir snatches top awards at nation’s country music capital
After weeks of preparation, the NPHS Choir department headed to Nashville for the annual Heritage Festival on April 19-22. Once they took the stage, the audience was in awe as they listened to their melody and harmony. When the voices tapered down and the piano softened to a close, the crowd roared with applause.
The choir students, led by director John Sargent, had prepared songs in a variety of styles, including classical and spiritual. Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Advanced Women’s Ensemble and Men’s Chorus competed with other schools as they performed three songs on stage. After their performance, the judges took the stage to critique each team.
“The competition went spectacular,” Sam Herbert, sophomore, said. “At the ceremony each choir won gold, the highest rank, and we got two first places and one second place. We also won the choir sweepstakes trophy.”
While most students were taking tests at school, the choir members were having the time of their life both inside and outside of the singing competition.
“At the competition we just performed and got feedback from the adjudicators but at the awards we ate food, danced a bunch, line danced, and jammed to a country band. Mr. Eby and Sarge even danced and whipped!” Taylor Cummings, sophomore, said.
Students came back with not only high awards, but also fond memories of a great experience.
“My favorite part has to be when one of the adjudicators was crazy about our Men’s Chorus performance of ‘Ghost Riders in the Sky,’ most likely because of our wacky dance that went with it” Kobe Burton, sophomore, said. “He even tried to dance with us after giving us instruction. It really was an exciting and educational experience.”
Men’s Chorus and Chamber Singers received Gold, Concert Choir received Gold First, and Advanced Women’s received Gold Second. The choir singers entered the festival excited and nervous for their competition, and came out with an unforgettable experience and commemoration for their outstanding performance.
