MPHS Chorale Members Earn Superior Ratings, Advance to State!

Pictured: Back row L-R: Eileen Martinez, Jessica Reyes, Brandon McCarver, Michael Jimenez, Alyssa Reynolds; Front row L-R: Yajaira Ramirez, Angela Rios, Abby Sneed, Molli Dorsey, Jennifer Flores, Rachell Moreno, Jesica Padilla-Ramirez; Not pictured: Camilla Galimberti

Thirteen Mount Pleasant High School Chorale members competed at the Regional UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest and 12 earned Superior ratings. Nine of them advanced to the State level, eight for the first time.

State qualifiers include, Jennifer Flores, Camilla Galimberti, Michael Jimenez, Eileen Martinez, Brandon McCarver, Jessica Reyes, Alyssa Reynolds, Angela Rios and Abby Sneed.
Those competing but not advancing are Molli Dorsey, Rachell Moreno, Jesica Padilla-Ramirez and Yajaira Ramirez.

To qualify for the state solo and ensemble contest, a student must score a “1” (the top score) on a Class 1 solo, the most difficult to memorize and perform. Each student performs a cappella (without any instrumental assistance) before a panel of judges.

“This is a voluntary contest for the students that involves preparation outside of the regular rehearsal period,” explained MPHS Choir Director Luke Dean. “Mrs. Deanna Warren and I worked with them and helped them prepare. This is a great opportunity for the singers as it gives us a time to focus on their individual voice, rather than their sound in an ensemble. I highly encourage all students to compete, as it boosts the quality of the entire choir.”

The state contest will be held Memorial Day weekend at the UT Austin campus and involves around 25,000 vocal, band, and orchestra contestants from across Texas.