Marietta High School choir students competed at State Solo and Ensemble competitions April 27 and 28 held at the Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City. The competition had originally been scheduled to take place on April 20 and 21 on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, but damage resulting from a tornado created the necessity for change in venue and date.
“Thank goodness we were able to have our contest rescheduled,” said Choir Director Courteney Starsick, “and a big thank you to our wonderful accompanist Denise Lovell for being flexible and our superintendent Mrs. Naylor who made it possible for our choir to go to state and have a wonderful experience.”
Choir members brought home a total of 69 state medals, with every member receiving at least one medal.
All six ensembles received superior ratings.
Solos receiving superior ratings were Colours Starsick, Tanasia Randle, Mackenzie Kyle, Hector Maldonado, Eva Bucher, Haylen Lowery, Alexis Creasman, and Lexi Motes.
Rebekah Alberda, Abygail Barrientos, Melanie Ortiz, and Angel Follis received excellent ratings on their solos.
Starsick expressed gratitude to parents for encouraging their students to practice and ensuring they have what they need to be successful, along with Marietta teachers who support students and cheer them on to do their best in their activities.
“And I can’t say thank you enough to my hard-working students,” Starsick stated. “This group of students is special to me. Not only are they dedicated, but I have had these kids since they were in elementary school. This year is bittersweet because I will be graduating 19 seniors. It’s been a joy and a pleasure to be their teacher. Kids like these are the reason why I teach.”
The full choir includes Hector Maldonado, Ace Austin, Haylen Lowery, Angel Follis, Alexis Creasman, Isabel Lopez, Abygail Barrientos, Nicole Stewart, Lexi Motes, Tanasia Randle, Colours Starsick, Rebekah Alberda, Josie Dobbins, Zippora Hill, Melanie Ortiz, Mackenzie Kyle, and Eva Bucher.