Dexter High School Choir Winds Up Stellar Year

The school year 2012-13 was both challenging and rewarding for the Dexter High School Choir program, according to teacher and choral director Julie Bassett. The school’s top choral ensemble, Jazz Choir, earned an excellent rating at the Michigan State Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) District Choral Festival in March, which took them to the MSVMA State Choral Festival on April 25. Likewise, the newly founded Chamber Choir performed at both the District and State Choral Festivals, which were held at Northville High School and Holt High School.

Dexter High School was well represented by students who performed individually and in small groups at the MSVMA District 12 Solo and Ensemble Festival, held in early February at Chelsea High School. Soloist Harrison Kane received the MSVMA’s highest rating of superior, as did the Men’s Quartet, which included Kane, Noah Knoerl-Morrill, James Fischer, and Jacob Deldin-Rich.

“Among the ten soloists and eight ensembles that performed at the District 12 festival, all earned medals” says Bassett. “In addition to the two superior medals, a total of six Dexter soloists and four ensembles earned ratings of excellent.”

In mid-April, five soloists and one ensemble traveled to Walled Lake Central High School to participate in the State Solo and Ensemble Festival. Soloists Kendall Buzzelli and Jilliane Hook returned home with superior medals for their State Festival performances. The remaining students earned three excellent and one good rating.

The high school’s new Chamber Choir also performed at both the District and State Choral Festivals. This addition to DHS’s choral program gave students with advanced vocal skills more opportunities to practice and perform, in addition to their regular choir commitments. These dedicated students met before school one to two days each week for several months in advance of the two festivals. At the District Choral Festival, the Chamber Choir earned a rating of excellent, which qualified the group for the State Choral Festival.

The Dexter Women’s Choir attended the District Choral Festival and earned a rating of good, while Jazz Choir received a rating of excellent. The Jazz Choir also performed at the State Choral Festival.

“Our Women’s Choir has been actively engaged in building basic singing skills, as well developing a good sense of singing as an ensemble,” says Bassett. “We have performed a variety of music, ranging from Renaissance to contemporary selections that include two to four voice parts.”