Students selected for Region III Chorus Festival

Five MAHS students auditioned and were selected to perform in the prestigious PMEA Region III Chorus Festival.

Congratulations to the following Meyersdale Area High School vocalists: Kylee Haer, Destinne Manuel, Ryan Sechler, James Kretchman and Avery Logsdon. These talented young people auditioned and qualified to participate in the 2024 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Region III Chorus Festival held March 6 through 8.

This esteemed event was hosted by the Somerset Area School district and MASD’s Choir Director Labrina Ritchey served as the Festival co-host. Jeffrey Webb served as the guest conductor. Students and directors from more than 40 school districts attended this prestigious event representing PMEA Region III.

Program selections included: “Hallelujah,” William David Brown; “Amor De Mi Alma,” Z. Randall Stroope; “America, the Beautiful,” arranged by Jeffrey Webb; “Five Hebrew Love Songs,” Eric Whitacre; “Tell My Father,” arranged by Andrea Ramsey; “Go Down, Moses,” Mark Hayes; and “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” Paul Simon, arranged by Kirby Shaw.

Webb is the Associate Professor of Music/Director of Choral Activities and head of the Music Department at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. He has completed extensive work in musical theater, having starred in, musically directed and served as accompanist for several productions.

Avery Logsdon, a senior, was selected to perform in the Alto 2 group. James Kretchman was chosen to perform in Bass 2.

Kylee Haer, a sophomore, was chosen to sing Soprano 2. She said it was a true honor to be selected to participate in the festival. “The festival was definitely one to remember. Our guest conductor, Jeffrey L. Webb, was absolutely brilliant and made this experience a special one. Singing with so many talented students from different schools is so inspiring and hearing all these beautiful voices together is just astonishing.”

Ryan Sechler was chosen for Bass 2.  Sechler said he was amazed at the level of talent demonstrated at the festival. “A lot of students do not get to experience the impactfulness of festivals like these, especially with meeting new people, becoming closer to music, and learning important social skills. Our director, Jeff Webb, worked so well with the students and helped us to perform an astonishing concert.”

Destinne Manuel, a sophomore, was chosen to sing in Tenor 1. Manuel  said, “Going to my first Region Chorus was an honor as I never expected to get in. I loved getting to work and meet with amazing people that I have made friendships with. I learned so  many ways to improve my singing.”

The honor of having five students to perform at this level within the PMEA was not lost on Ritchey but she said she was not surprised by their selection based on their talent and determination. “I am so proud of the students who represented MASD at PMEA Region III Chorus this year. They practiced their music for countless hours and presented an outstanding chorus concert. I had a younger bunch of singers this year and I hope they continue to audition for more PMEA festivals in the future!”