On April 24 and 25, the choirs from Lake Nona High School participated in the State Music Performance Assessment (MPA) held in Lakeland. This event was open to any choir that received a superior rating at their district chorus assessment. This year, all five choirs from Lake Nona High School, under the direction of Justin Chase and Isiah Maxey, received straight superior ratings at their district assessments, so the five choirs had the opportunity to sing at State MPA.

There were a total of 234 choirs that sang at State MPA this year from across Florida. Choirs that sang at the competition had to perform three contrasting songs for an audience of student singers and a panel of judges made up of college choral professors from across the United States.

All five of the choirs from Lake Nona High School received the highest rating of superior. In addition, choirs at State MPA can receive an additional accolade as a “Choir of Distinction.” This designation is reserved for choirs who not only receive straight superior ratings but also perform at a level that the judges feel is above and beyond what high schools normally achieve. Choirs of Distinction are featured on a recording released by the Florida Vocal Association and are recognized at the summer convention of the Florida Vocal Association.

This year, out of 234 choirs statewide, 28 choirs were awarded the coveted “Choir of Distinction.” Three of these choirs were from Lake Nona High School: Lake Nona Singers, Combined Treble Choir and Advanced Women’s Choir. In addition, the Freshmen Women’s Choir received an overall superior rating and the Combined Men’s Choir received a straight superior rating and a perfect score.

The Lake Nona High School choral program continues to be a program of excellence not only in Orlando but throughout the state of Florida. With more than 320 students in the choral program at Lake Nona, it is also one of the largest student organizations on campus. Although the choir will take a break for summer vacation soon, be sure to look for them again in August when the 2018-2019 school year begins!