Warwick Valley High School vocal groups win gold

Warwick - Warwick High School’s Meistersingers and Women’s Chorus both received gold medals at this year’s New York State School Music Association Festival and also placed first in the Music in the Parks Choral Competition. The Warwick Valley High School Meistersingers and Women’s Chorus recently performed in the NYSSMA Majors Choral Music Festival held at Wallkill High School on May 25. Meistersingers received a “Gold Medal with Distinction,” which is the highest honor awarded. Women’s Chorus received a “Gold medal,” which is a great honor as well. Lois Heller, vocal music director at Warwick Valley High School, directs both groups. The NYSSMA Majors Choral Festival is a venue in which choral groups from across Orange County perform to receive a rating by the New York State School Music Association. This rating is based on areas such as blend and balance, articulation, musical expression, dynamics, tone quality and presentation. For the Meistersingers, judge Jeffrey Vredenburg commented: “Excellent presentation. Clear, clean, and precise. Bravo! Super work!” Judge Susan Avery added: “Great job. You are truly an excellent group. Believe in the power of music. You are on your way to a lifetime journey of music.” For the Women’s Chorus, Vredenburg said: “A lovely rounded female sound. Support and focused.” Meanwhile, Avery added: “Your preparation was meticulous. Congratulations on such a fine performance.” The Meistersingers and Women’s Chorus also competed in the Music in the Parks Choral Competition in Lakewood, N.J., on May 26. This competition included 13 choral groups from across the tri-state area. The Meistersingers placed first in the high school Mixed Chorus division. The Women’s Chorus placed first in the division for high school Women’s Chorus. Both groups were rated on difficulty of music, blend and balance, expression, tone quality and articulation. The Meistersingers performed, “If Music Be the Food of Love,” “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord” and “Il Est Bel et Bon.” The Women’s Chorus performed “La Lluvia,” “Vus Vet Zyan,” and “Away From the Roll of the Sea.” “Both groups have worked extremely hard this year to attain this level of excellence,” Heller said. “I am extremely proud of their achievements.”