Choirs Perform in MSHAA State Contest, Receive High Rating

On March 7, 2016, Parkway North’s choir classes, along with the choirs from various St. Louis area high schools gathered in North’s music department for the annual MSHAA state choir contest.

The contest happened throughout the whole school day, and choirs from Pattonville, Ladue, Parkway West, Cor Jesu, Bayless, Eureka, Webster Groves, Lafayette, and St. Joseph’s attended, along with North.

“MSHSAA State Choir Contest is the highest level assessment offered to high school choirs in Missouri. Choirs sing prepared music for three judges,” said choir teacher Brian Reeves. “They then go into a separate room and sight read music for a fourth judge.”

The choirs get a rating for their performance, 1 being the best and 5 being the worst.

North’s choir classes performed throughout the day and scored very well. “All four choirs received the highest rating of 1 [and all] received the highest rating in sight reading,” said Reeves.

This was the first time for the sophomores to perform at Contest, and they scored a rating of a 1, the highest possible.

“In terms of other schools, some received 1s, some received 2s, and I think there was a 3, too. The quality of the choirs here yesterday was very high. I am extremely proud of our kids for the musicianship displayed. The tradition continues,” said Reeves.

While it was the sophomore’s first time performing, for seniors it was their last concert of high school. “I am so proud of how well we did. It was super fun and we all have worked really hard in choir, so I am glad it shows through our scores,” said senior Katie Landsbaum. “I am glad we could end our last choir contest with top ratings.”

The contest is significant because “it assesses nearly all aspects of our curriculum, and does so in a credible and public way. [It] shows us where we are and gives us helpful comments on how to improve,” said Reeves.

Lauren Sparks, editor-in-chief, Social Media Mogul