Cascade Choirs Rock Seattle!

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Cascade students recently brought a trophy and top marks from the ACSI Choral Festival, which took place March 18 and 19 at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington.  The Cascade Singers and Chorale groups left early on Monday morning (by bus, plane, and automobile) to attend the Festival and came home Thursday evening with pride and satisfaction for their outstanding efforts at the two-day event.

 Arriving in Seattle on Monday afternoon, the students enjoyed a walking tour of the downtown Seattle area of Pike Place Market and the waterfront.  After dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory, where they serenaded the waiters with one of the Festival songs, the group retired to the hotel to prepare for the busy next two days.

 Our 50 students were part of a Mass Choir of 630 voices conducted by guest conductor, Dr. James Melton of Vanguard University.  During the Festival our students enjoyed a great time of fellowship with each other and with students from the other 19 schools.

 Much time at the Festival was spent in Mass Choir rehearsal with Dr. Melton, and in observing and performing before adjudicators in a variety of music divisions (solos, duets, ensembles, and school choirs).   Each performance was judged according to the Oregon State OMEA/ACDA Choral Evaluation standards.

 Our Chorale and Cascade Singers, each adjudicated separately by Dr. Melton, received “Superior Ratings” (the best that performers can receive), demonstrating the excellence and consistency that resides in Cascade’s fine music department.

 At the Festival’s Command Performance on Wednesday evening, the Cascade Singers Girls received a trophy as they were awarded First Place at the closing ceremony for their choreographed singing of “Chili Con Carne”, a lively number with a Latin rhythm. All first place winners earned the privilege to showcase their talent again at the closing ceremonies.  Their song brought a roar of applause from the crowd of well over a thousand people in the SPU Gymnasium.

 The students, although tired from the intense two days of singing, also brought home a great sense of thankfulness to the Lord, pride in knowing they had done their best, and renewed respect and enthusiasm for our Cascade vocal music program.

 Mrs. Milo, Choir Director, Mr. Teterud, Administrator, and our three chaperones, Mrs. Teterud, Mrs. Scott, and Pastor Williams all spoke very highly of not only the great performances, but also of the outstanding behavior and attitudes of our choir students.