Green Hope Chorus found success at the Music Performance Adjudication (MPA) at Meredith College on March 14. An assessment of vocal performance for choirs taken part in by schools all over North Carolina, the MPA tests a choir’s ability to sight read music, which required the choir to perform music with and without preparation beforehand.
Every ensemble – the Tenor and Bass Ensemble, Beginning Treble Choir and Advanced Treble Choir – scored “Superior” in their respective event, . The rating they achieved was the highest possible designated by the MPA, and equivalent to a letter A grade.
The chorus had been preparing since August for the event, working tirelessly to improve. In January, they selected pieces they wanted to perform and intensively concentrated on rehearsing. This gave the ensembles a couple months to get the pieces perfect.
The importance of the event to the Green Hope chorus is evident. One chorus student, Charlotte Payne (‘27), noted the importance of growth. “It’s important because it’s how we evaluate areas of improvement each year and we are able to demonstrate our growth as an ensemble.” Although the MPA does not compare schools to each other, the rating allows each chorus to know what they need to work on for the future, helping them improve over time.
Despite the exemplary performances, the chorus teacher, Mr. Botwick states that the scores are not always what is most important about the MPA. “Honestly, we spend more time concerning ourselves with the specific comments from the judges instead of the scores.” Comments from the judges allow the choir to know what they want to work on, as improvement is always key. “For the future, we’re just looking for new ways to challenge ourselves and grow as people/musicians!”
In fact, history was made for Green Hope chorus at this year’s MPA. Mr. Botwick has been at Green Hope since 2019. He said that: “All 3 groups scored superior in sight reading and performance for the first time since I’ve been here at [Green Hope]. For the Tenors and Basses, the first time since their ensemble was formed!” The event demonstrated that the ensembles seized an opportunity for advancement.
The event also brought chorus singers closer together. “I liked performing the best definitely and the waffle house afterwards celebrating with my friends,” said Charlotte, noting that part of performing is having fun and celebrating achievements.
As the Green Hope chorus gears up for a remaining semester of engaging performances, members of the ensembles can look back on this year’s MPA with fond memories of exceptional performances and fun bonding moments.
