The Choir Sings

At GISD, we are proud to now offer music at every campus, which grows our students’ musical interest and talent, preparing them for potential participation in the choir at the junior high and high school levels.

The GJH and GHS choirs have started off the year with a multitude of successes. At the junior high level, ten choir students made All-Region: Michael Flores, Axel Dooley, Jayce Jackson, Kaden Duncan, Brady Burgess, Marcos Moran, Jan Gonzalez, Gabryel Reed, Hazel Becerra, and Jaida Rayson. They worked hard and continued to practice outside of the classroom, showing their dedication and ultimately their success.

“I am more than proud of them and their work,” said Sutton Hennessy, GJH Choir Director. “I hope we can not only continue this trend of greatness but continue to strive for more in our program.”

The Gainesville High School Leopard Chorale, under the direction of Joanna Ceja, is also having an incredibly successful year. The first level of competition was the Region contest, in which 10 GHS students competed and an astonishing six of those students qualified for All-Region: Hayley Colwell, Drake Landrum, Desmond Pouncil, Jayelynn Graham, Samantha Holmes, and TJ Foss.

“My students achieved more than they ever have this year because of their drive and dedication,” said Joanna Ceja, GHS Choir Director. “They are passionate about music and love to collaborate with others. They apply feedback well, and most importantly, they believe that sounding beautiful is fun! I am also proud of how many compliments I get from other adults and teachers about my student’s behavior. Other teachers from other districts have approached me to tell me how kind, respectful, and funny my kids are. I believe that spreading positive vibrations is what being a musician is all about, and my GHS Choir kids embody that.”

The contests continued and out of those six, Hayley, Drake, Desmond, and TJ then advanced to the Area auditions, which were held in November. The celebrations continue as Hayley, Drake, and Desmond each made the All-Area choir and are one step closer to the audition for the All-State Choir!