Singing Conchs awarded superior ratings
BY SERGIO TORRES, JAIR TORRES, AND RINA KAMILOVA
KONK LIFE STUDENT WRITERS
Recently, the Key West High School’s choir participated in the MPA on March 8, where they were judged on their vocal and singing abilities. Many of the members traveled to Miami’s Ronald Reagan Doral High School to take this assessment. The Key West High Choir received three superior ratings, the highest rating in the state of Florida. These Conch singers consisted of the large choir and both the most advanced girls and boys groups, the Mistys and VIPs, with students ranging from freshmen to seniors.
Key West High School Choir Director James Carter explained how his students compete in the event, “This is the Chorus District Music Performance Assessment (MPA). It’s not necessarily a competition for choruses, because you compete against the standards — you aren’t competing against the other choruses.”
Carter elaborated that each group performed two contrasted pieces by memory. The four groups that performed were mixed choruses, men’s chorus, advanced women’s chorus, and a combined women’s chorus.
“We are judged on the technicality of the performance, the beauty of their tone and intonation. Several different aspects of their performance were scrutinized,” Carter said and added that they are then given an overall rating. The ratings go from poor to fair, to excellent, and superior.
Anyone can come to watch the assessment, but only members of the choir are eligible to participate in the assessments and measurements.
“It is slightly stressful,” stated Ginger Grimm, a member of the freshman choir. “Many of the members of each of the choruses were practicing their tones at home and did their best to get prepared for the MPA.”
Ginger then explained that it wasn’t a regular singing competition. “We did a competition called sight reading — it’s basically where they give all the choruses these sheets of music with notes.” She explained that the members of the choir are supposed to be singing the correct notes, and keep the rhythm.
The MPAs are very beneficial for the singers. It keeps them on track and helps them understand how well they are doing with the music. This noteworthy rating demonstrates that the Key West High School singers are something special.
James Carter, the choir director at Key West High School. James Bryars photo
I participated in a concert a couple of years ago in St. Paul’s Church and was completely awe-struck at the professionalism, poise and musicianship of these young vocalists. Mr. Carter should be highly commended for his work…these young Conchs could compete in ANY choral competition ANYWHERE in the world!