ARTS UPDATE

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!

The Studio one-act play, “Socking the Octopus,” advanced to State as a Best in Show! Rebekah Chappell and Garrett LaCoste earned Best Leading Actress and Actor for their performances in the Studio Play. Ryan Walton and Hayden Salter earned All-Star Cast awards highlighting their performances in the Studio Play. In their individual events, the Wright Players earned ten superior ratings! This is the first time UMS-Wright students have competed in person in two years due to Covid restrictions.

At State competition, Wright Players brought home 6 superior medals and 2 excellent medals with a superior for the Studio piece, “Socking the Octopus.” Garrett Lacoste received a nod for AllStar Cast in the Studio Theatre Event. Additionally, Hayden Salter received one of three performance-based scholarships awarded across the state! The Wright Players and crew perform under the direction of Mrs. Margaret Delaney. Superior Ratings for Concert competition at the ABA State Music Performance Assessment. Impressively, they also earned a superior in the sight-reading assessment – the most difficult category. This is our band’s third year to earn Superior with Distinction at State assessment.

The Alabama Bandmasters Association State Solo and Ensemble competition was held this spring for the first time in three years. 5 UMS-Wright middle school students and 6 upper school students performed solos and ensembles resulting in 18 Superior medals awarded. Superior ratings are the highest ratings earned at Solo and Ensemble competition. Congratulations to these hard-working musicians and their director, Mrs. Melissa Jokerst!

Kudos as well to our 5th Grade Exploratory Arts students. Our 5th graders take 3 arts classes each year rotating among Band, Chorus, and Drama with the 4th quarter in a STEM class. Each arts class performs for parents and friends at the end of the quarter which allows every 5th grader to play an instrument in a mini-band concert, rehearse and perform a one-act play, and participate in a choral concert. Students and directors discover talent and uncover interests in the 5th graders who realize that UMS-Wright Arts have a place for everyone!