Vocalists selected for PMEA Region Chorus Festival

Four MAHS vocalists were recently selected to perform in the PMEA Region Chorus Festival.

Four highly talented Meyersdale Area High School musicians recently participated and performed in the 2025 PMEA Region III Chorus Festival. The PMEA Region III Festival hosted more than 180 students from over 50 school districts, including MAHS students Rayne Stevanus, Kylee Haer, Destinne Manuel and Ryan Sechler. The festival was hosted by the Bellefonte Area School District and was held March 12 through 14.

Participating in this festival was based on an audition process held during the PMEA District Chorus Festival held earlier this year. Kylee qualified as a Soprano 2; Destinne and Rayne performed in Tenor 1; and Ryan performed in the Bass 2 section.

Students worked hard over the three-day festival, participating in rigorous rehearsals under the leadership of Dr. Amy Voorhees, guest conductor. At the conclusion of the festival, students performed a concert for friends and family. The pieces presented included: “With a Lily in Your Hand,” by Eric Whitacre; “Untraveled Worlds,” by Paul Halley; “Flight Song,” by Kim Andre Arnesen; “I Got a Key,” arranged by Joni Jensen; “Waldesnacht (Woodland Night),” by Johannes Brahms; “Domine, ad adjunvandum me (Lord, My God, Assist Me Now)” by Giovanni Batisti Martini; and “The Sounding Sea,” by Eric Barnum. These pieces were simultaneously challenging and rewarding as our student musicians learned and grew with each passing rehearsal.

Ryan, a senior, said earning a spot at this festival was a true honor and an experience he will not forget.

For Kylee, returning to the Region III Festival was a goal she has been working hard to achieve. “I’m so blessed that I got the opportunity to attend another Region III PMEA festival. It is so amazing to be surrounded with such talented singers throughout this festival, and I always learn so much from our guest director every year.”

For Destinne, the festival provided an opportunity to meet new people who share her passion for music. “It was an honor to get to experience another PMEA festival with everyone I know. Getting to listen to all the talented people around me is amazing. ‘Untraveled Worlds’ is one the best songs out of the folder,” she explained.

Rayne said this first-time experience exceeded her expectations. “I made a lot of new friends and had a lot of fun, I hope to have the opportunity again next year.”

Qualifying to participate in the PMEA Region III Chorus Festival requires a great deal of time, effort and talent and these special students worked very hard to earn a spot at this prestigious event.

“I’m so proud of my students for working their way up to Region Chorus and performing a beautiful concert that truly reflected their dedication and talent,” added Labrina Ritchey, MASD choir director.