Vista Ridge High School Chorale: 2014 TMEA Performance Program

V i sta

Ridge

THE LEANDER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT presents the

V i sta

Ridge

HIGH SCHOOL CHORALE

in concert for the TEXAS MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION CONVENTION

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Ballroom A San Antonio, Texas February 14, 2014 1:30pm

ABOUT LEANDER ISD

The Leander Independent School District, located approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Austin, Texas encompasses 200 square miles and has campuses sited within the cites of Leander, Cedar Park, and Austin. This dynamic school district is one of the fastest growing school districts in Texas, serves an enrollment of over 35,000 students with 38 campuses and auxiliary facilities, while maintaining standards of excellence throughout the system. The district has 23 elementary schools, eight middle schools, five high schools and two alternative schools.

LISD boasts the best area average for college enrollment. According to Texas Monthly magazine, LISD Schools rank among the best in the state, with the high schools in the top five percent.

The Leander ISD Vision is that every student is encouraged, supported and challenged to achieve the highest levels of knowledge, skills and character. Every LISD graduate is prepared with the knowledge, academic foundation and life skills to be a productive learner, an effective communicator and a responsible citizen in order to be successful in an ever-changing world.

ABOUT VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

Vista Ridge High School is the third high school in the Leander Independent School District, located approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Austin. The school opened in 2003 and serves approximately 2,000 students today.

The students of Vista Ridge High School have a collective vision to be the best for the world.

Guided by Leander ISD’s 10 Ethical Principles, Vista Ridge students love learning, competing in a multitude of extracurricular endeavors and are routinely highlighted for making a difference in their community. In only a decade of existence, Vista Ridge students have achieved numerous commendations both inside and outside the classroom. Cultivated by a rigorous college going system, VRHS boasts TEA distinctions, national merit finalists, rigorous advanced placement offerings, top finishes in the UIL Lone Star Cup standings and numerous fine arts accolades.

Additionally, Vista Ridge High School is a wonderful place to work and learn. Students, faculty, staff, LISD administration and parents all help foster a nurturing culture that equips every student for life long success. We are blessed with community and parental partnerships, which provide valuable insights and a balanced perspective that serves to improve home-school relationships, student behaviors and academic achievement. Our stakeholders’ shared vision for personal and corporate excellence has equipped every Vista Ridge HS student to be the best for the world.

ABOUT THE VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR

When Vista Ridge High School opened its doors in 2003, the choir consisted of 90 students in three ensembles. Today, VRHS Choir serves a diverse array of over 230 students in six performing ensembles. Under the direction of Steve White, the choir program has seen tremendous growth and is one of the biggest organizations on campus.

The VRHS Choir takes pride in having students involved in multiple clubs and organizations on campus. Members are widely represented in cheerleading, varsity sports, theater, drill team, band, NHS, student council and various clubs and activities.

The Vista Ridge Choir Program also has a rich tradition of choral excellence. The VRHS Chorale has been the recipient of many UIL Sweepstakes trophies and state awards. Members of the choir actively participate in the TMEA All-State process in addition to UIL State Solo and Ensemble, with students excelling in both competitions.

As a result of the dedicated work of many individuals, the program has built a tradition of success that has flourished within the school and the community.

LEANDER ISD HONOR GROUPS Texas Music Educators Association Invited Choirs

Texas Music Educators Association Honor Bands

Henry MS Treble Choir, 2012 Michelle Hank & Amanda Ransom

Cedar Park HS Wind Ensemble, 2014 Steve Wessels

Henry MS Treble Choir, 2008 Kimberly Williams & Spencer Wiley Cedar Park MS Mixed Choir, 2003 Brenda Justice & Jaime Mattox

Henry MS Honors Band, 2014 Robert Herrings Henry MS Honors Band, 2010 Robert Herrings Leander HS Wind Ensemble, 1994 Dennis Hopkins

Leander Independent School District 204 W. South Street P.O. Box 218 Leander, Texas 78646 (512) 570-0000

Board of Trustees Pamela Waggoner President

January 13, 2014

Aaron Johnson Vice President Grace S. Barber-Jordan, M.Ed. Secretary Russell Bundy Member Don Hisle Member Lisa Mallory Member Will Streit Member

ď ś Bret A. Champion, Ed.D. Superintendent

To the Texas Music Educators Association, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Vista Ridge High School Choir for their selection to perform at the 2014 TMEA Clinic/Convention in San Antonio. I know our students will have an outstanding performance.

Participation in fine arts programs benefits students in many ways, individually and as a team, promoting leadership, confidence and a love of music that will remain with them throughout their lives.

The dedication and commitment it takes by students, parents and directors to maintain a high-level choral program is very much appreciated.

Congratulations again.

Respectfully,

Bret A. Champion

www.leanderisd.org

Leander Independent School District 204 W. South Street P.O. Box 218 Leander, Texas 78646 (512) 570-0000

Board of Trustees Pamela Waggoner President

January 8, 2014

Aaron Johnson Vice President Grace S. Barber-Jordan, M.Ed. Secretary Russell Bundy Member Don Hisle Member Lisa Mallory Member Will Streit Member

ď ś Bret A. Champion, Ed.D. Superintendent

To the Texas Music Educators Association, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Vista Ridge High School Choir on behalf of the Leander ISD Board of Trustees for their selection to perform at the 2014 TMEA Conference in February. We applaud the hard work and dedication it takes to be recognized at this event.

We are delighted that the choir has received the honor of this invitation and know they will have a stellar performance. The enthusiasm, energy, and leadership in the choir program by students, parents and directors is very much valued and appreciated.

It is always rewarding to see the success of Leander ISD students.

Congratulations again.

Sincerely,

Pamela Waggoner

www.leanderisd.org

Pr og r a m GEANTRAÍ

Mark Stone, bodhrán (Irish folksong – sung in Gaelic)

MICHAEL McGLYNN

www.michaelmcglynn.com

We will throw up and up.

We will throw her up easily.

We will throw her up and up, hopefully she will not explode.

We will throw up the child, and she will come down tomorrow.

She will dance. She will dance with pleasure.

She will dance and dance, myself and herself together.

O SALUTARIS HOSTIA

Solos: Alaina O’ Laughlin, Jenay Lapeyrolerie, Brynn Bowman, Katie Turner

ERIKS EŠENVALDS

Musica Baltica 0993

O Redeeming Sacrifice, You who opens the gate of heaven.

Enemies threaten wars.

Give us strength. Send aid.

To the Triune, Lord, May there be eternal glory; That life without end He may to us give in our homeland.

Amen.

MITÄ KAIKATAT KIVONEN?

Originally performed by the Finnish ensemble Rajaton

MIA MAKAROFF Sulasol 1039

This is the band itself explaining the song: "The lyric of Mitä kaikatat, kivonen is an ancient Finnish folk poem which is very difficult to translate directly.

The story is basically about the old women of a village telling the young girls that they'll never get decent husbands. The girls disagree strongly and are sure that rich and handsome guys are already on their way to get them out of the village with red horses."

What noise are you making, little stone, (like water) slurping and slapping on you?

So that's the noise you are making, stone, (water) lapping and splashing.

“So you don't marry our maidens, pick our flowers So they won't be married in the marrying year, engaged in the engagement summer.”

Don't make noise, little stone, water lapping and splashing.

Still for these maidens, for these pretty chickens, Engagement will come surely & loudly, lots of money clinking.

A red stallion is already on the road.

ETERNITY

MICHAEL BOJESEN

Wilhelm Hansen 31243 Find a stone that glistens when you walk upon the shore.

One rolled throughout the ages by the ocean’s mighty roar.

Feel it with your fingers with a grain of sand.

Salted with the memories of far off distant lands.

Hide it in your pocket where other eyes can’t see.

It’s your piece of the ocean, and all eternity.

IN THE DARK FOREST (V TIOMNOM LESE) ALEXANDER SVESHNIKOV Sung in Russian

Musica Russica FS007

In a dark forest, beyond the wood, I shall plow a field.

I shall sow flax and hemp, flax so green.

Up sprung my hemp so green. Thin and long, white and stringy.

But a thieving sparrow began to frequent my hemp, Pecking away at my hemp so green.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Soloist: John Mata Percussion: John Cho, Diana Schultz, Becky Azard-Jackson

JOAN SZYMKO

Santa Barbara Music Publishing 331

It takes a whole village to raise our children.

It takes a whole village to raise one child.

We all everyone must share the burden.

We all everyone will share the joy.

Justin Arnhart

Cassie Brawner

Christian Chaskelson

Zoya Eckhart

Luke Hoeft

Tanner Lambert

Brittany Bartlik

Jeb Brawner

Caleb Crayton

Sydney Garis

Paul Iskra

Jenay Lapeyrolerie

Patrick Bauer

Justin Cameron

Seth Crayton

Emma Gogulski

Taylor James

Matthew Linn

Luke Berringer

Jordan Case

Ryan Creager

CJ Hall

Julian Johnson

Michael Loa

Ian Blake

Ivan Castelan

Natalie Daniel

Jacklyn Halversen

Paul Johnson

John Mata

Brynn Bowman

Danielle Chaka

Brooke Debevoise

Logan Hanna

Meghan Keaney

Chloe Miemban

Kelli Chaka

JT Devenport

Caleb Harris

Hannah Killough

Brennan Montgomery

Ashlea Parks

Jason Rhodes

Katie Turner

John Muran

Emily Peterson

Hayli Salinas

Caitlin Valley

Ryan Murray

Amy Pham

Sahil Solankee

Kyra Vilela

Jessica Nassar

Justin Pham

Megan Stannard

Cydney Wilkerson

Matt Odanga

Navin Pillai

Kaysie Tam

Shimshon Zeevi

Alaina O’Laughlin

Matt Plagge

Hannah Taylor

Britta Price

Brittany Tidwell

Vist a

Ridge

HIGH SCHOOL CHORALE

2012-2013 VR H S Ch o r a l e Patrick Bauer

Juliana Frisoli

Melanie Phillips

Luke Berringer

Jacklyn Halversen

Navin Pillai

Caitlyn Berry

Caleb Harris

Matthew Plagge

Evan Blache

Johnny Hoang

Britta Price

Brynn Bowman

Sunny Hollingsworth

Bishop Pritchard

Cassie Brawner

Julian Johnson

Jake Read

Jeb Brawner

Paul Johnson

Jason Rhodes

Justin Cameron

Meghan Keaney

Amanda Rodriguez

Austin Carrillo

Hannah Killough

Allyssa Rodriquez

Danielle Chaka

Luke Hoeft

Vallery Rusu

Christa Chimento

Jenay Lapeyrolerie

Sahil Solankee

Michael Corbett

John Mata

Megan Stannard

Daniel Creager

Aleena Mc Clain

Kaysie Tam

Jacei Day

Caleb Mertink

Hannah Taylor

Brooke Debevoise

Rohan Nagar

Brittany Tidwell

John Devenport

Misha Nash

Stephanie Tran

Trevor Downs

Matthew Odanga

Emily Urban

Tina Draughon

Alaina O'Laughlin

Caitlin Valley

Zoya Eckhart

Ashlea Parks

Nathan Wilgeroth

STEVE WHITE is a native of Paris, Texas. He studied music at The University of Texas at Austin, receiving both his Bachelor of Music degree and Masters in Choral Conducting Performance.

During his time at UT, Steve directed the Longhorn Singers, assisted Craig Hella Johnson with UT Concert Chorale, served as Music Director of the UT Madrigal Dinner, and performed with the Chamber Singers. He has appeared with various Central Texas music companies since 1991, and remains enthusiastically active with Conspirare.

Steve began his teaching career at Round Rock High School. After a little over a decade, he joined Stephen Vano at Vista Ridge HS as his Associate, and became its sole director from 2011-2013.

Steve spent two years on the summer faculty at the Leysin American School in Switzerland. He created a Summer Youth Choir in Austin for ages 15-23 specializing in world music, acappella pops, and innovative new works. Amphion Youth Choir will now celebrate its 5th summer season in 2014.

Steve lives in Austin with his lovely and amazing wife Katherine, his little muse-daughter Avery, Toby the cat, and a baby boy on the way.

REBECCA AZARD-JACKSON is in her ninth year of teaching and her first year as Associate Choir Director at Vista Ridge High School. Previously, she was the Head Choral Director at Wiley Middle School in Leander ISD. Mrs. Azard-Jackson graduated from The University of Mary-Hardin Baylor with a degree in Music Education in 2005. While at UMHB, she served as Student Director of the auditioned ensemble, Concert Choir. In addition to her duties as Student Director, Mrs. Azard-Jackson was an active accompanist for various ensembles and voice juries.

Mrs. Azard-Jackson is a frequent adjudicator for numerous Solo and Ensemble and UIL contests.

In 2012 she served as the treble choir guest clinician for the Region 14 All-Region Middle School Concert. In 2013 she received a Masters Degree in Education Administration. Her professional affiliations include TMAA, TCDA and TMEA. Rebecca resides in Copperas Cove with her husband Will. In July, they will be expecting their first child.

Accompanist DIANA SCHULTZ earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baylor University and a Master’s of Sacred Music degree from Southern Methodist University. She is the mother of two Baylor Bears, Wesley (a senior) and Lauren (a freshman). She currently teaches private piano, percussion and voice lessons in the Round Rock ISD. She has accompanied for choirs and solo contests for over 40 years. Her hobbies include reading, working jigsaw puzzles, and, yes, playing piano. She directs a praise band at a local church, as well as the handbell choir. She and her husband Dale have been married for almost 28 years.

MARK STONE, one of Irish music's most celebrated players of the bodhrán in the US, has performed with many of today's top Irish musicians across the United States and in Canada.

Mark began his professional music career at the age of fifteen playing keyboards in local dance bands and doing studio work. He later focused his attention solely on Irish music playing Irish dance piano. His knowledge of chord movement and structure has been transferred to the bodhrán, resulting in a unique blend of rhythm and tones that has established Mark as a top player in the United States.

Mark's recording credits include James Kelly's critically-acclaimed solo fiddle album for Capelhouse Records and with the group Ceoltiori on their award-winning Women of Ireland CD for Maggie's Music Records. Mark served as producer on The Curlews for Irish hammer dulcimer player Cliff Moses and for the late singer/songwriter Peg Roach Lloyd's recording Carving in Stone. He has won gold and silver medals for his playing in Irish music competitions in the US and has represented the US at the All-Ireland Music Championships in Co. Tipperary, Ireland.

Vocal instructor BLYTHE CATES was born and raised in Southern California to a very musical family. Being surrounded by such musicality she began studying classical music at the age of 9 with Patricia Gee. While studying with Ms. Gee, Ms. Cates competed and successfully won several young artist competitions and scholarships in the California region and nation throughout her junior high and high school years. After completing high school, Ms. Cates went on to complete her Bachelor of Music at the University of California and studied with renowned technician Nina Hinson. After the completion of her undergraduate degree, Ms. Cates went on to study Opera Performance at the famed University of Texas, Butler Opera School with Rose Taylor and Dr. Robert DeSimone.

Since attaining her degrees, Ms. Cates has performed as a soloist with the Inland Master Chorale, the Austrian American Academy, and the Central Presbyterian Church of Austin. Ms. Cates has performed opera roles from the opera's of Lakmé, The Old Maid and the Thief, Summer and Smoke, The Rape of Lucretia, The Consul, The Impresario, The Magic Flute, Carmen and Il Pagliacchi. She also has extensive experience in performing musical theatre.

Ms. Cates began teaching in 2000, and as a teacher, she specializes in breath support, vocal health, age-appropriate material, musical interpretation and applying classical vocal technique to many genres, including opera, classical, pop, folk and musical theater. She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and runs a private voice studio in South Austin. She is also on staff at Concordia University as a vocal instructor.

Vocal instructor MARK CRAVEN’S adventures began with his involvement in the music programs at Angleton High School under the direction of Don Hood, Don West, Tom Shine and Karl Hickfang. Mr. Craven graduated from UT-Austin in 1975 where he studied with Gordon Lamb and Charles Smith.

Mr. Craven has many years of experience teaching choral music in Texas. Previously he taught choirs in the Cy-Fair, Temple and Leander School Districts. Choirs under his direction have been recognized with Best in Class awards at several festivals throughout Texas. Currently, Mr. Craven teachers private voice, piano and acoustic guitar in the Leander School District. He also sings in his church choir and gigs around the Cedar Park area.

Mark is married to Emily, who is the music director at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church. He has two children, Will and Mollie. Will is a member of the Texas State University Band and Mollie will be graduating in May from Oklahoma City University with a degree in musical theatre.

Mark is very proud of the accomplishments of the VRHS Chorale and their directors, and is honored to be a part of this tremendous program.

Acknowledgements LEANDER ISD ADMINISTRATION Dr. Bret A. Champion, ED. D., Superintendent Monta Akin, Assistant Superintendent

VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

VISTA RIDGE B- BUILDING FINE ARTS STAFF

Paul Johnson, Principal

Bryan Christian, Thomas DeLaurier, Dona Dye, Hector Gil, Kyle Ruschaupt

Amanda Johnson, Dean of Instruction Jeremy Billeaud, Fine Arts Supervising Principal

LEANDER ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Catherine Beckerley, Assistant Principal

Pamela Waggoner, President

Todd Pfaff, Assistant Principal

Aaron Johnson, Vice-President

Stacie Seveska, Assistant Principal

Grace S. Barber-Jordan, Secretary

Peter Warshaw, Fine Arts Director

Amanda Lester, Counselor

Russell Bundy

Sherri Sneed, Counselor

Don Hisle

Sheila Olenich, Administrative Assistant to Fine Arts

Kathy Trapp, Counselor

Lisa Mallory

Robert Santoyo, Counselor

Will Streit

Karie Lynn McSpadden, Assistant Superintendent Ellen Skoviera, Assistant Superintendent

Shannon Wedlund, Administrative Assistant Rita Maciver, Bookkeeper

A Very Special Thanks The incomparable VISTA RIDGE CHOIR BOOSTERS — Without your support and advocacy, none of this would have happened.

The 2012-2013 VISTA RIDGE CHORALE ALL VRHS FACULTY AND STAFF — Thanks for your support of these amazing kids.

VRHS FINE ARTS TEAM — Bryan Christian, Thomas DeLaurier, Dona Dye, Hector Gil, Kyle Ruschaupt LEANDER ISD CHOIR DIRECTORS — Michael Feris, Beth Gove, Brenda Justice, Spencer Wiley VRHS CHOIR VOCAL COACHES — Blythe Cates & Mark Craven MICHAEL BEVERSDORF — For translating ancient Finnish.

MICHELLE HANK & AMANDA RANSOM — For inspiring most of these kids before they even got to High School.

DINAH MENGER, SUE NEFF & MIKE WARE — For giving us a chance, encouragement, and advocacy.

WILLIAM JOHNSON — For getting us to San Antonio, literally.

STEVEN VANO — For building the choir program at VRHS from the ground up, and establishing the culture. Today is just the follow-through.

PATRICIA FOWZER — For talking me out of doing theater in HS. CRAIG HELLA JOHNSON — For showing us how to breathe together.

MORRIS STEVENS — For taking us to the next level.

RITA MACIVER & SHEILA OLENICH — For navigating infinite logistics on our behalf.

ROBIN WILSON — For designing this wonderful program.

KATHERINE WHITE — For your endless support and strength.