By Mubarrat Choudhury
For the first time in Richardson’s history, all six of the school’s choirs took sweepstakes at the UIL Choir competition last week. The varsity Acappella Choir and varsity Men and Women’s Choirs competed on Wednesday, while the junior varsity Acappella Choir, non-varsity Women and Men’s Choirs performed on Friday.
The UIL Choir Competition is split into two parts. Choirs first perform three rehearsed pieces of music in front of three judges. They then sight-read a piece of music, which they had not practiced, in front of a different set of judges. Choirs receive a score between 1 and 5, with 1 being the best score.
“The competition was a great way to show people how hard our Eagles have worked on our music,” junior Griffin Camacho said. “After working every day for months, it was really nice to finally perform for judges and create real music. Each choir sang beautifully and worked really hard during the sight reading portion.”
Both the varsity and non-varsity choirs got sweepstakes for their performances, receiving straight 1’s from all of the judges. Since the semester started, all six choirs have been rehearsing the prepared music and practicing sight-reading.
Junior Trent Juarez said the preparation really paid off.
“It’s a great opportunity to be part of such a talented and successful choir that is headed by amazing directors,” Juarez said. “With these qualities that encompass the Richardson Choir program, UIL was an endeavor that was not only very successful but also very fun and rewarding. I’m proud of the success of the choir program had this year and in the years past, and I hope that tradition of success continues.”
Now, students are preparing for the Spring Concert on May 15th, but are also thinking about next year’s competition.
“After UIL competition, we turn our attention to the Spring Concert,” sophomore Jacob Redmond said. “However as a sophomore, I have my sights set on getting straight 1’s in both choirs I am in next year.”