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The Morristown-Hamblen High School West Advanced Choir won big at a choir festival in Orlando, Florida.

The choir traveled to Florida to compete in Orlandofest, a festival that has been dedicated to generating positive educational growth through performance since 2010.

The choir took home first place in their division, was named the Grand Champions at the festival and Caroline Brady received the ASL (American Sign Language) soloist award.

Kaitlyn Younger, Morristown West Choral Department director, explained why the choir chose to compete in the festival.

“We selected Orlandofest not only because we got to compete against ensembles from other states, but we also participated in a workshop with Dr. Kelly Miller from University of Central Florida,” Younger said. “The awesome thing about this festival is that it features a wide variety of ensembles that range from concert choir, to show choir, to orchestra, to marching band.”

Younger said the festival allowed for students to meet choral students from around the US and it also helped the choir strengthen its abilities.

“The Morristown West Choral Department competes regionally every year. I think one of the most valuable experiences the students gained from this trip was the fact that they got to compete in a totally different area than what we usually get to.”

“We got to see Dr. Miller work with another choir, and it was amazing to see what the other choir was doing and what they could do to improve. I hope the kids were able to see that students from all over the country rehearse and perform in the same way as them.”

The choir didn’t just compete at the festival, it also had the chance to work with one of the judges who offered their guidance.

“During our performance, the adjudicators judged and critiqued our performance; following the performance, one of the adjudicators, Dr. Miller, came up on stage and worked with the choir for 20 minutes. She gave many tips and suggestions of things we could do to make our songs even better.”

Following the performance the choir headed to the Universal Studios Theme Park at the Animal Actors Theater for the awards ceremony.

Choirs are separated into three different divisions: A, AA, or AAA. A choirs’ division is determined based on the size of its school population.”

“Morristown West is in the AA division, for which we took 1st place,” Younger said. “We were honored to have our very own Caroline Brady selected as that soloist. Normally, you’d expect this award to go to someone with a vocal or instrumental solo.”

Younger explained the significance of the award going to Brady.

“The Orlandofest adjudicators also select one outstanding soloist of every group that performs. What makes Caroline’s award so special is that she earned it through a sign language solo.”

“We closed our set of three songs with ‘Ain’t No Grave Can Hold My Body Down’ by Caldwell and Ivory. During the chorus of this song, the entire choir signs the lyrics of the song. However, Caroline Brady stood in front of the choir and signed the entire song as a soloist.”

At the end of the night the festival awards one choir the title of Grand Champion, which is presented to the highest scoring superior-rated choir.

“The final award of the night that was given, was titled ‘Grand Champion,’” she said, “This award was given to whichever group the judges deemed as the best performers.”

“I think it’s safe to say we were all in shock and incredibly honored to be named Grand Champions. The kids have worked so hard, and it’s nice to see our labor come into fruition.”

Younger thanks the community for its continued support for the choral program and encourages students to seek fine art programs within the district.

“I’d like to thank the community for their support. I want to let them know that I, along with all the other fine arts teachers in the county are working hard to create a supportive, educational environment for all students.”

“I’d like for students to know that there’s a home in art, theater, band, speech/debate and choir- wherever their interest lies.”

Morristown West Choral Department has several opportunities for the community to continue to support the students.

“I’d like to encourage the community to continue supporting the arts. It really does take community support in building our programs and we couldn’t do it without you all,” Younger said.

The Morristown West Advanced Choir will perform in the New Musical: Legend City on April 13, 15, and 16 in the Morristown West Auditorium.

The Morristown West Women’s Choir will be singing at First Presbyterian Church during its Sunday Morning Service on April 16.

All of the choir ensembles at Morristown West are performing in its Spring Concert, which is scheduled for April 24th at 7 p.m. in the Morristown West Auditorium. The event is free for the public, but donations will be accepted and appreciated.