Featured Photos: 1. (Above) Top row, left to right: Ronan Geoffrey; Philip Haynie, director; and Clark Garner. Bottom row, left to right: Grace Geoffrey; Paige Marino; and Grace Parker (A.C. Reynolds High). 2. (Below) Aleisa Baker, director; Arden Bode; Ashley Dowdney; and Nathan Allison, principal (T.C. Roberson High).
By: Benjamin Rickert
BCS Communications Dept.
Seven talented student musicians will represent Buncombe County this fall as they perform with the prestigious North Carolina High School Honors Chorus.
After a rigorous virtual audition process, the North Carolina Music Educators Association (NCMEA) selected five students from A.C. Reynolds High School and two from T.C. Roberson High School for the Nov. 6-7 conference. Only 176 students were selected for the honor statewide.
“The high school honors chorus is the highest honor and most competitive offering we have for our students,” explained Reynolds Choral Director Phillip Haynie. “It's always very difficult for students to get a seat, so we really celebrate each student who makes it.”
The 2021 ensemble will include Roberson’s Ashley Dowdney and Arden Bode, as well as Reynolds' Ronan Geoffrey, Clark Garner, Grace Geoffrey, Paige Marino, and Grace Parker. Dr. Julie Yu, professor of music and co-director of choral studies at Kansas State University, will serve as this year’s guest conductor and clinician. Dr. Yu will lead students in two days of rehearsals culminating in a final performance for the state’s top music educators.
“Especially following 18 months where — in many ways — our voices have been silenced, I am proud of all my students who worked vigorously to prepare for these auditions,” said Roberson Choral Director Aleisa Baker. “It is exciting, and I can't wait to watch them grow in their musicianship during the event and bring back their excitement to their choir family.”
During the NCMEA conference, students will perform in one of three groups in a large venue with limited seating. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, students must follow state protocols, pass a COVID test prior to arrival, and perform in face coverings. Despite the unusual circumstances, students and directors are looking forward to a rewarding performance experience.
“I’m extraordinarily proud of my students,” added Haynie.