The Austin Academy Choir program has a rich history of award-winning performances, and our students are incredibly accomplished musicians. Below are listed some of the amazing things that our choirs and individual students achieved during the 2017-2018 school year alone. We can’t wait to continue adding more successes to our incredible resume!
Following auditions held on January 27th, 2018, there were a whopping 24 students from Austin Academy selected to the 2018 Region 3 All Region Choirs. This is one of the toughest and most competitive regions in the state, so to be selected to this choir is a big honor. Many students were in the top five in their room, and four were first chair.
Austin Academy Choir sent 88 students to the GISD Middle School Solo and Ensemble Contest on October 28th, 2017, in addition to hosting this event open to over 700 GISD Students. 87 soloists received a First Division rating, and one ensemble received a First Division rating. Of the 88 soloists, 26 were Outstanding Soloist Nominees. Of the 27 Outstanding Soloists Winners selected contest-wide, 15 were Austin students, by far more than any other school!
In March of 2018, Austin Academy sent five 7th and 8th grade choirs to UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest – A Cappella Mixed, A Cappella Women, A Cappella Men, Girls Select, and Men’s Chorale. All five choirs received First Division ratings from all three judges in both the Concert and the Sight-reading portion, earning Sweepstakes. This is an extraordinary achievement, and the directors are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication that went in to making it happen!
A Cappella Mixed Choir was invited to travel to Waco, TX and experience Baylor campus on April 27th, 2018. In addition to a full campus tour, stadium visit, and meeting with current Baylor music students (including Austin Academy alumni), they also participated in a choral clinic with Dr. Lynne Gackle, Director of Choral Activities for Baylor University. It was such an informative, musical learning opportunity to work with someone so esteemed and skilled. This was an incredible honor that very few middle school students are able to experience!
Austin Academy participated in the Hawaiian Falls Choral Festival held on May 3rd and 4th, 2018, sending a total of five choirs of all ages. Sixth Grade Choir, Girls Select, A Cappella Men, A Cappella Women, and A Cappella Mixed all sang extremely well, and our choir program took home a number of awards – five First Division ratings, five Best in Class awards, two Judge’s Excellence awards, and A Cappella also earned the Grand Champion trophy (awarded to only one choir at the entire contest).