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High School Choral Competition and Festival

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Competition Schedule

All competition events will be in the Carol A. Carter Recital Hall in the Foy Music Building.

Warm-up – Foy Annex Building

  • 9:30 – 10 a.m. – Richmond Hill High School Women’s Chorus 
  • 10:10 – 10:40 a.m. – Grayson High School Mastery Choir 
  • 10:50 – 11:20 a.m. – Harrison High School Chamber Singers 
  • 12:20 – 12:50 p.m. – Davidson Chorale 
  • 1 – 1:30 p.m. – Sprayberry High School Chamber Singers 
  • 1:40 – 2:10 p.m. – Seckinger High School Mastery Singers 
  • 2:20 – 2:50 p.m. – Campbell High School Select 
  • 4:50 – 5:20 p.m. – Decatur High School Advanced Mixed Chorus 
  • 5:30 – 6 p.m. – Southeast Bulloch High School Advanced Chorus 
  • 6:10 – 6:40 p.m. – Harrison High School Select Chorale 

Adjudication – Carol. A. Carter Recital Hall

  • 10:10 – 10:40 a.m. – Richmond HIll High School Women’s Chorus 
  • 10:50 – 11:20 a.m. – Grayson High School Mastery Chorus 
  • 11:30 – 12 a.m. – Harrison High School Chamber Singers 
  • 1 – 1:30 p.m. – Davidson Chorale 
  • 1:40 – 2:10 p.m. – Sprayberry High School Chamber Singers 
  • 2:20 – 2:50 p.m. – Seckinger High School Mastery Singers 
  • 3 – 3:30 p.m. – Campbell High School Select 
  • 5:30 – 6 p.m. – Decatur High School Advanced Mixed Chorus 
  • 6:10 – 6:40 p.m. – Southeast Bulloch High School Advanced Chorus 
  • 6:50 – 7:20 p.m. – Harrison High School Select Chorale 

Changing Rooms

  • Richmond Hill High School Women’s Chorus
    • Room A: 2047 8 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
  • Grayson High School Mastery Choir
    • Room A: 2071
    • Room B: 2073 
    • 8 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
  • Harrison High School Chamber Singers
    • Room A: 2052
    • Room B: 2054
    • 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  • Davidson Chorale
    • Room A: 2047 
    • Room B: 2048
    • 11:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
  • Sprayberry High School Chamber Singers
    • Room A: 2071
    • Room B: 2073
    • 12 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
  • Seckinger High School Mastery Singers
    • Room A: 2052
    • Room B: 2054
    • 12:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
  • Campbell High School Select
    • Room A: 2041
    • 1:45 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Decatur High School Advanced Mixed Chorus
    • Room A: 2052
    • Room B: 2054
    • 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Southeast Bulloch High School Advanced Chorus
    • Room A: 2048
    • Room B: 2041
    • 4:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Harrison High School Select Chorale
    • Room A: 2071
    • Room B: 2073
    • 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Warm-up – Annex Building

  • 8:10 – 8:40 a.m. – Savannah Arts Academy Cantabile
  • 8:50 – 9:20 a.m. – Houston County High School Advanced Women’s Choir
  • 9:30 – 10 a.m. – Decatur High School Tenor-Bass Chorus
  • 10:10 – 10:40 a.m. – Alpharetta High School Chorale
  • 11:20 – 11:50 a.m. – Cane Bay High School Cobra Chorale
  • 12 – 12:30 p.m – Veterans High School Concert Chorale
  • 12:40 – 1:10 p.m – Alpharetta High School Select Women’s Ensemble
  • 1:20 – 1:50 p.m – Cane Bay High School Vox Bellator

Adjudication – Carol. A. Carter Recital Hall

  • 8:50 – 9:20 a.m. – Savannah Arts Academy Cantabile
  • 9:30 – 10 a.m. – Houston County High School Advanced Women’s Choir
  • 10:10 – 10:40 a.m. – Decatur High School Tenor-Bass Chorus
  • 10:50 – 11:20 a.m. – Alpharetta High School Chorale
  • 12 – 12:30 p.m – Cane Bay High School Cobra Chorale
  • 12:40 – 1:10 p.m – Veterans High School Concert Chorale
  • 1:20 – 1:50 p.m – Alpharetta High School Select Women’s Ensemble
  • 2 – 2:30 p.m – Cane Bay High School Vox Bellator 

Changing Rooms

  • Savannah Arts Academy Cantabile
    • Room A: 2052
    • 7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
  • Houston County High School Advanced Women’s Choir 
    • Room A: 2054
    • 7:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
  • Decatur High School Tenor-Bass Chorus 
    • Room A: 2047 
    • 7:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
  • Alpharetta High School Choraleand Alpharetta High School Select Women’s Ensemble
    • Room A: 2071
    • Room B: 2041
    • 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Cane Bay High School Cobra Chorale and Cane Bay High School Vox Bellator
    • Room A: 2084
    • Room B: 2075
    • Room C: 2073
    • 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Veterans High School Concert Chorale
    • Room A: 2052
    • Room B: 2054
    • 10:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Awards Ceremony – Performing Arts Center

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

The awards ceremony will be broadcast live on Facebook on the Sing at Southern page.

  • Welcome: Dr. Terre Johnson, Dr. Shannon Jeffreys, Dr. David Langley
  • Introduction of Vocal Faculty:
    • University Singers: Dr. David Langley, conductor
  • Unclouded Day: Shawn Kirchner (b. 1970) 
  • Ride on King Jesus: Moses Hogan (1957-2003)
    • Alex Backfisch and Kourtney Funderburk, soloists
  • Neighbor’s Chorus from “La joile Parfumeuse”: Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880)
    • Southern Chorale: Dr. Shannon Jeffreys, conductor
  • Alleluja: József Karai (1927-2013)
    • Josh David, soloist
  • I Go to the Rock: Stacey V. Gibbs (b. 1976)
    • Amare McJolly, Sierra Sanders, Karla Thomas, soloists
  • Special Thanks: Dr. David Langley
  • Announcement of Awards
    • Mixed Choir
      • 3rd → 2nd → 1st
    • Non-Mixed Choir
      • 3rd → 2nd → 1st
    • Grand Prize

Festival Schedule

  • All day
    • Scavenger Hunt (see QR codes posted): Around Foy
    • Decorate Your Lanyard: Foy Lobby
  • 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
    • Life as a Music Educator: Foy 4027
      • Dr. Carney 
  • 12:30–1 p.m.
    • Yoga for Singers: Foy 4030 
  • 2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
    • Just Dance: RU 2084 
    • Barbershop Tags: Foy 4027
      • Dr. Jeffreys & friends
  • 3 – 3:45 p.m. 
    • Campus Tour: Meet at Rock Garden 
  • 3 – 3:30 p.m. 
    • Ukulele 101: Foy 4027
  • 4 – 5 p.m. 
    • Opera Performance: Foy 4030
      • Operatic and Not So Operatic Scenes 
    • Sight Reading Chorus: Recital Hall
      • Dr. Jeffreys & Dr. Langley 
  • 5 – 5:45 p.m.
    • Music Jeopardy – guess the song!: RU 2084 
    • College Audition Success: Foy 3029
      • Dr. Henderson
  • 5:30 – 6 p.m. 
    • Campus Tour: Meet at Rock Garden
  • 6 – 6:45 p.m. 
    • Musical Theatre Belting: Foy 4030
      • Dr. D’Agostino
  • 6 – 7 p.m. 
    • World Drumming: Foy 4027
      • Dr. Langley
  • 7 – 7:45 p.m.
    • Zumba!: RU Ballroom
  • 7 – 8:30 p.m.
    • Georgia Southern Vocal Auditions: Foy 4030
  • 7:30 – 8:45 p.m.
    • Gospel Choir Jam Session: Recital Hall

RU = Russell Union, PAC = Performing Arts Center, The Rock Garden is in front of the Foy Music Building

  • All day
    • Scavenger Hunt (see QR codes posted): Around Foy
    • Decorate Your Lanyard: Foy Lobby
  • 10 – 10:45 a.m. 
    • Music Geek Kahoot: RU 2080 
    • Vocalize for Range Extension: Foy 4027
      • Dr. Gregory 
    • Vocal Solo Masterclass: Foy 4030
      • Dr. Holmes 
      • Bring your solo repertoire.
  • 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. 
    • Encore! Game: RU 2080
      • Sing part of a song that includes a randomly chosen word. May the best team win! 
    • Georgia Southern Vocal Auditions: Foy 4027 
    • Theatre Improv Games: Foy 4030
      • Mr. Porter
  • 12 – 12:45 p.m. 
    • Breaking Down the Riff from Handel to Ariana Grande : Foy 4027
      • Dr. D’Agostino 
  • 12 – 12:30 p.m. 
    • Ships and Sailors Game: Foy 4030
  • 12:30 – 1:20 p.m.
    • Freshman Vocal Showcase: Foy 4030 
      • Dr. Murphy & Dr. Holmes
  • 12:45 – 1:30 p.m. 
    • Campus Tour: Meet at Rock Garden
  • 1 – 1:30 p.m. 
    • Glee Trivia: Foy 2036
  • 1:30–2:15 p.m.
    • Music Careers – What can I do with my music?: Foy 4027
      • Dr. Gregory
  • 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. 
    • Just Dance!: Foy 4030
  • 2:15 – 3 p.m.
    • FOR TEACHERS: 21st Century Tools to Enhance Singing in Choirs: Foy 4027
      • Dr. Henderson
  • 4 p.m.
    • Awards Ceremony: PAC

  • Welcome: Dr. Terre Johnson, Dr. Shannon Jeffreys, Dr. David Langley
  • Introduction of Vocal Faculty:
    • University Singers: Dr. David Langley, conductor
  • Unclouded Day: Shawn Kirchner (b. 1970) 
  • Ride on King Jesus: Moses Hogan (1957-2003)
    • Alex Backfisch and Kourtney Funderburk, soloists
  • Neighbor’s Chorus from “La joile Parfumeuse”: Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880)
    • Southern Chorale: Dr. Shannon Jeffreys, conductor
  • Alleluja: József Karai (1927-2013)
    • Josh David, soloist
  • I Go to the Rock: Stacey V. Gibbs (b. 1976)
    • Amare McJolly, Sierra Sanders, Karla Thomas, soloists
  • Special Thanks: Dr. David Langley
  • Announcement of Awards
    • Mixed Choir
      • 3rd → 2nd → 1st
    • Non-Mixed Choir
      • 3rd → 2nd → 1st
    • Grand Prize

Clinicians

Dr. Christopher Haygood

Christopher Haygood, D.M.A serves as Associate Director of the Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music, Associate Professor of Choral Conducting, and Associate Director of Choral Studies at Oklahoma State University. Under Christopher’s direction, University Singers performed at Carnegie Hall and for the OKMEA Winter Conference, Spirit of OSU Vocal Jazz Ensemble performed at the OKMEA Winter Conference and received “Gold” in their category in the Queen of the Adriatic Sea International Choral Competition, and Cantamus Camerata will perform as feature ensemble in residence with Vox Anima of London in collaboration with Argentinian composer Martín Palmeri in summer 2024. 

Dr. Beth Wilson

Elizabeth (Beth) L. Wilson, D.M.A. is Lecturer in Choral Music for the University of Kentucky. Dr. Wilson conducts the 90-voice SATB choir, UK Choristers, recently featured as performing choir at KMEA in both 2021 and 2022. Additionally Dr. Wilson teaches courses in choral music education and conducting, oversees student teachers, and serves as faculty advisor for Blue Note. Prior to moving to Lexington, Beth was Conductor of the Georgia Tech Women’s Choir, Director of Student Musician Development for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and taught for nine years at Pope and Wheeler High Schools, both in Cobb County, GA. Dr. Wilson earned a BM in music education from the University of Georgia, MM in choral conducting from Georgia State University, and DMA in choral conducting from the University of Kentucky. Currently Beth is Kentucky ACDA President and is serving as Local Arrangements Chair for ACDA Southern Region Conference as well. Previously she was Kentucky ACDA College/University R&R Chair and prior Treasurer for Georgia ACDA. Dr. Wilson is honored to have been named KMEA 2020- 2021 District 7 College/University Teacher of the Year. Beth is an active clinician, conductor, and adjudicator and resides in Lexington with her husband- Ken, their children- Drew and Anna, and their dogs- Coco and Daisy. Dr. Wilson is honored to have been asked to serve the Southern Invitational High School Choral Competition and Festival. 

Dr. Francis Cathlina

Francis Cathlina, D.M.A. (he/him) is a distinguished Vietnamese-American conductor and educator, known for his innovative programming that seamlessly weaves choral music with narrative. His transformative concert experiences invite audiences into a world where choral artistry becomes a powerful storytelling medium.
A two-time GRAMMY-nominated educator, Dr. Cathlina serves as the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. He provides visionary leadership for the Choral Area, oversees the Doctoral and Master’s Choral Conducting program, and conducts the University Singers (flagship SATB choir) and Mazi (SSAA choir). 
Dr. Cathlina holds a D.M.A. in conducting with a vocal pedagogy cognate from the University of North Texas, an M.M. from Michigan State University, and a B.M.E. from Baylor University. Before his doctorate, he taught in Texas public schools, working with elementary through high school-age singers. He is deeply grateful for the steadfast support of his husband, family, and friends, who embrace his unique blend of Vietnamese culture and Western upbringing. Dr. Cathlina, his husband Kyle, and their fur baby, Coco, proudly call Memphis, Tennessee, their home. 

Contacts

Music Numbers

Statesboro Campus Resources