Warwick High School singers invited to perform at Disney World

WARWICK-Hard work does pay off. The Warwick Valley High School Meistersingers, a select group of fine "a cappella" singers has been invited to the Disney Honors 2005 festival. The prestigious event showcases the nation's premier high school choral ensembles, concert bands and orchestras. Under the direction of Lois Heller, the Warwick Valley High School Meistersingers have received several superior and outstanding ratings at state events. And last May, the Meistersingers were nominated by the New York Music Educators Association to apply to the Disney festival. Based on their musical and artistic excellence and their taped submission, the Disney Honors Panel selected the Meistersingers from among the top-ranked choral groups across the country to be invited to the upcoming festival scheduled for April 20 - 24, 2005. The high school vocalists will present a performance before a nationally recognized panel of judges. Following each performance, the judges will conduct personal feedback clinics with each group. In addition, the students will have an opportunity to attend one-hour master classes, a special Disney Seminar, and an evening social where they can meet other talented musicians from across the country. The festival will conclude with a semi-formal gala event where each ensemble is recognized and presented with the Disney Honors Award. "We're very proud of the achievements of the Meistersingers and their outstanding director Lois Heller," said Dr. Joseph Natale, "superintendent of the Warwick Valley Central School District. "We are all excited about this honored educational opportunity for these outstanding students." Prior to the event, the Meistersingers will be holding several fundraising events to help cover most, if not all, of the costs of transportation and attendance at the festival. For their first fundraiser, Meistersingers members are selling the popular Entertainment Book 2005. The coupon books offer discounts at merchants throughout the tri-county area as well as nationwide. The Meistersingers will also be singing at the Warwick Applefest on Sunday October 3. Several "a cappella" groups will perform in different areas of the Village to sing "apple" theme songs and donations will be graciously accepted at that time. For more information on the Meistersingers, their upcoming fundraising events, the Disney Honors 2005 festival, or to make a contribution, contact Lois Heller, vocal director for the Warwick Valley High School Meistersingers at Warwick Valley High School, Box 595, Warwick, NY 10990. You may also call 987-3050 x2086 or e-mail at: lheller@wvcsd.org