OHS held a Choir Festival for elementary, middle school and high school students Nov. 6.
The event was held in the performing arts building in the choir room, mini auditorium and large auditorium.
“The purpose of this festival is to motivate students in the elementary, middle school, and junior high choirs to be the best musicians and/or singers they can be,” said Cindy Durazo, OHS choir teacher. “It also provides directors and students ideas and suggestions in improving choral skills specific to their choral groups as well as a great opportunity for them to listen to other choirs perform.”
This was the fifth annual Choral festival at OHS, with participants from: Las Brisas, Sierra Verde, Highland Lakes, West Wings, Sunset Ridge Morning Choir, Desert Mountain, Diamond Canyon, Bellair, Hillcrest, Desert Sky, Constitution, Mountain Shadows, Terramar, Desert Mountain Youth, Canyon Springs and Anthem.
“It is important for students of this age group to have a festival where they can perform and receive constructive feedback from an expert in the choral field,” said Durazo. “Not only is it enjoyable with many musical benefits, but it also meets part of the district and state standards for performance and assessment.”
“Since this festival began five years ago, the choirs in the lower grade levels has grown tremendously both numerically and in quality. We started with approximately 200-300 students to nearly 1500 students this year.”
The Choir festival is not a competition but is used for the musicians to receive feedback from a clinician to help them grow in the musical industry.
Durazo had nothing but positive things to say.
“My students were phenomenal hosts all day and were extremely professional on and off the stage. I have awesome students.”