PHS Choral Music Experiences Busy and Successful Year

By Marisa Rawlins-Bradfield Choral Music Director

Choral Music had a very successful year at PHS. The students were more involved than ever with competitions, honor choirs, concerts, and community civic events. These performance opportunities are extremely important in contributing to the overall experience in music making and are foundational components for well-rounded young people that will mature to be advocates for the arts. From the Broadway Revue in the fall to the High Arts Finale at the end of the school year, the performers learn so much about the process of creating and the essentials of teamwork. In the fall, all of Providence’s choral ensembles prepared for the Broadway Revue and the Annual Christmas Concert. The Men’s Ensemble received a special invitation to perform at the San Fernando Valley Barbershop Harmony Society Concert as well. In February, six students were selected to participate at the annual CAIS Southern Section Honors Music Festival, which took place at Viewpoint School. This year, Talia Patterson ‘18, Kimika Martinez ‘20, Anton Reyes ‘20, Sophie Collins ‘18, Stella Murphy ‘19, and Zack Pikhart ‘18 had the pleasure of singing under Rodger Guerrero, Director of Choral Studies at Pasadena City College, and

the students had the chance to meet other singers from Harvard Westlake, Buckley School, Viewpoint, and other CAIS affiliated schools.

The PHS choral ensembles performed in numerous music festivals and competitions throughout the year. Les Dames began their festival season with a performance at the Southern California Vocal Association (SCVA) Festival where they received a rating of Superior. Pioneer Chorus, Women’s Ensemble, and Men’s Ensemble competed in their specified divisions at the Music in the Parks Competition at the Disneyland Resort. Pioneer Chorus came in 1st Place - Excellent, Men’s Ensemble came in 1st Place - Superior, and our Women’s Choir took 1st Place - Superior. In SCVA news, Stephanie Ko ‘18, Sam Avila ‘19, Talia Patterson ‘18, and Samantha Weitekamp ‘18 competed in the annual SCVA Vocal Solo Competition in the spring, and they represented PHS Choral Music very well. Sam Avila ‘19 went on to the state finals competition with the California Music Education Association (CMEA) and received a silver rating! Providence Singers received an invitation to perform at the National Festival of Gold at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Illinois. Our students were able to hear ensembles from around the world and take in the sights of this beautiful city! They performed tremendously well and will remember this tour for decades to come. Several weeks later, Providence Singers concluded their competition season with a performance at the Verdugo Hills Glendale a Cappella Festival. PHS was the only private Catholic high school represented at the event. Out of fourteen public high schools, PHS came in third place next to John Burroughs High School and Valencia High School.

PHS Choral Music received a grant from the John C. Hench Foundation for $6,000.00! Our choral music students have worked vigorously throughout the year, representing Providence High School in numerous events and venues. Congratulations to all on a fantastic year of music making!