Stettler’s Rhapsody Girls and Tiny Tenors Choir won first place in the 14 and under Provincial Choral Class held in Edmonton May 27.
Although this is not the first time the local choir has won provincials, the excitement and anticipation was overwhelming as the awards were announced.
“The choir always gets a little reminder about the importance of good sportsmanship and proper choral audience etiquette before we compete, so when I looked over at the girls as placings were being announced, they had all joined hands and were crossing their feet as the adjudicator began announcing her placements,” said Choir Director Rhonda Sylvester.
“When it was down to the last two choirs for placings, I could see their little hands starting to squeeze one another with excitement and when (the announcer) finally announced the second place award as another choir, the tears just started to roll down some of the their cheeks because they knew then, that they had won. It was a pretty special moment for us all.”
Other choirs that were competing in the same choral class came from the areas of St.Albert/Edmonton, Ft.McMurray, Strathmore/Drumheller and High River/Okotoks.
The Alberta Provincial Music Festival takes place every year in May with talent from 35 various Alberta music festivals sending participants to compete in their respective categories.
“I have been fortunate enough to take students to the provincial festival for over 20 years now and we have always had either a choir or solo students place first or second every year,” said Sylvester. “Our groups, including choral speech and choirs, and our soloists for vocal, musical theatre, speech and piano, always represent Stettler to the best of their ability and maintain the highest standards. This town should be very proud of these young musicians and their teachers. They are a blessing to us all.”
- Contributed