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Bring Creativity Our Choral Department put UMS-Wright on the New York map once again when the UMS-Wright Choir sang at Queens College in an adjudicated performance and exchange with choirs from 30 other states. UMS-Wright Choir made straight superior ratings from renowned composers and conductors from all over the United States (Rolo Dilwroth, Jeremy Wiggins, and Christopher Olin). UMS-Wright Choir also earned the right to a spotlight performance in Carnegie Hall as part of a 30 choir, premiere performance of two commissioned pieces, "O Vos Omnes" by Andrea Ramsey and "Measure Me Sky" by Elaine Hadenburg. Afterward, students attended a private Broadway workshop with actor, director, film producers Michael Dansicker and Michael Watson. You may recognize Dansicker's name as a composer for Elf, Shrek, and Disney's High School Musicals 1 and 2, just to name a few. The directors were so impressed with UMS-Wright students that they asked the studio if they could have a few more minutes with them, then kept them another hour! Our students made great impressions in New York. On the state level, 24 Choral students were selected to represent UMS-Wright in Alabama All State Choirs. Additionally, Rebekah Chappell was honored as the Female Outstanding Choral Student District 7 in the Alabama Vocal Association.
In March, Middle School and Upper School Choirs combined to bring home 70 medals at State Solo and Ensemble. Middle School Choir won a Superior rating, the ladies’ ensemble won a superior rating, the men's ensemble won a superior rating with a perfect score, and the Wright Singers won a superior rating with a perfect score. Our Choral Department performs under the direction of Mrs. Michelle McCormick. Middle School Drama under the direction of Mr. Bobby Miller grew exponentially this year. Every UMS-Wright middle school student who competed at the Theatre for Youth Festival received a superior rating in at least one event, the highest rating you can achieve. Out of the 8 events we participated in, we won five 1st place medals, one 2nd place medal, and three 3rd place medals. 66 students participated in the Spring musical, Oliver! Jr., and 55 students participated in the Fall show, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Congratulations to the Wright Players and Crew who had a spectacular showing at the District Trumbauer Competition at Murphy High School!
