Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Nine high school choirs performed in the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on March 22 and 29, as Three Rivers College hosted their 16th Annual Three Rivers District Music Festival. The event was open to the public, and friends and family members of the musicians were invited to attend.
The Festival is one of 20 such events in the state, where local choirs and choir members compete for spots in the State Music Festival in Columbia, Mo., on May 2 and 3. A “1” rating in the solo and ensemble competitions on March 29 ensure a spot in the state competitions in May.
Dexter Senior High School Honors Choir and Select Choir earned a "1" rating, which is classified as a superior rating.
"I am so proud of them and their commitment and dedication to this program," commented DHS Choral Director Jamie Sepulvado.
High Schools with choirs attending the festival were: Bloomfield, Central (New Madrid County), Dexter, Doniphan, Greenville, and Poplar Bluff.
“We’re pleased to be able to host this competition for the 16th year in a row. It’s a great opportunity for these young musicians to come together, learn, and test their skills,” said William “Buddy” White, Instructor of Music at Three Rivers College. “We expect approximately 2,000 students to perform over the two days of the festival. It’s really a community effort organizing and pulling this event off!”
Several vocalists will be representing Dexter that the State level. Reale Cook, a senior, will be taking a vocal solo. Reale will also be in a women's trio with junior Shelby Gathings and sophomore Lauren Thrower.
Angel Maze, a freshman will be taking a solo and a women's trio with Sarah Miller, Caroline Powers, who are both freshman as well.
Brooks Propst will also be taking a solo to Columbia in May.
Shown in the photo above are Sarah Miller and Brooks Propst on the back row. Caroline Powers, Angel Maze in the center and Reale Cook and Lauren Thrower in front. Shelby Gathings was unavailable for the photo.
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.
Below is the entire Dexter Senior High School Choir including the Honors Choir and Select Choir. Congratulations to all the students for their hard work and good luck in Columbia.
You will have one more opporutnity to see these awesome students sing. On May 10th at 6:30 p.m. they will host a "Rockin' Out for Riley" Pop Concert. Riley Rickman is a DHS senior undergoing treatment for Leukemia was diagnosed over a month ago. A separate article will be posted soon.
