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LA VERNE — On April 6, the Bonita High School Concert Choir and Chamber Singers from La Verne, performed for a group of renowned adjudicators during The Disney Honors: National Choral Invitational at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The ensemble participated with other specially selected high school choral groups from around the United States. The Chamber Singers were also selected to perform a special concert in the rotunda of the American Experience in Epcot. “Achieving excellence in musicianship takes a lot of commitment and determination,” said Tim Hill director of Special Programs for the Walt Disney World Resort. “We feel this kind of dedication deserves the highest form of recognition.”  The Disney Honors Choral Invitational was held April 5-9. The evaluators included five outstanding choral educators. They represent more than 200 years of teaching experience and have conducted more than a thousand clinics at festivals across the United States and abroad. All have led award winning ensembles and have been recognized as being at the top of their fields. “It is truly an honor to be selected for the Disney Honors Invitational,” said Bonita High School Choral Director Todd Helm. “Being one of the select few to be invited to perform the Disney Honors Invitational is a tribute to the hard work, talent and dedication of these wonderful students.” The Disney Honors is a non-competitive, non-ranked music festival that takes place each spring. The ensembles participate in a welcome breakfast and orientation, a one-hour presentation conducted by a distinguished music educator, a private Disney Theme Park party, a performance in a specially designed music venue and a clinic with a nationally recognized evaluator. |
In evaluating the performance of the Bonita Concert Choir, adjudicator Dr. Rodney Eichenberger of Florida State University said, “You sing with careful attention to detail and with great support. You keep the phrases alive.” Dr. Eph Ehly of the Conservatory of Music, University of Missouri – Kansas City, was impressed by the choir’s “full-bodied tone quality that is natural – free and vibrant.” Ms. Jing Ling-Tam of the University of Texas –Arlington commended the Bonita Concert Choir for its “Beautiful tone and blend,” and “Excellent rhythmic precision. What a musical and sensitive choir!” “The intonation is excellent!” Adjudicator Dr. William C Powell of Auburn University said of the Bonita’s Chamber Singers. “Their sensitivity to balance and blend is remarkable.” Dr. Weston Noble of Luther College told the Chamber Singers, “Such fine balance and ensemble awareness — Superb performance!” The grand finale of the events was The Disney Honors Celebration Gala. During the gala, each ensemble was recognized and presented with The Disney Honors Award and each performer received a medal commemorating their participation in the invitational. Participation in The Disney Honors is limited to qualifying ensembles. To qualify for the event each ensemble first submitted an application form, a recording and three nomination forms from music educators and leaders familiar with the program. A select Disney panel reviewed all materials, and the chosen ensembles received an official invitation. The Disney Honors is the only national invitational music festival endorsed by MENC: The National Association for Music Education. It is part of the Walt Disney Performing Arts Programs which offer instrumental, vocal and dance groups the opportunity to learn, perform and celebrate at the Walt Disney World Resort. In 2007 The Disney Honors National Concert Band, Orchestra and Choral Invitational is planned for April 13-16. The Disney Honors Evaluators The Disney Honors Choral Invitational Evaluators: • Dr. Rodney Eichenberger – professor of choral music at Florida State University has guest conducted the professional Korean National Chorus and for the past 28 years and has taught in Australia and New Zealand. • Dr. Eph Ehly – retired from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri after 27 years of service and has conducted over 80 all-state choirs and over 600 festival ensembles. • Ms. Jing Ling-Tam – professor of music and director of choral studies at the University of Texas and under her direction the UTA Chamber Singers have performed in Mexico, Canada, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Austria. • Dr. Weston Noble – director of music activities at Luther College. |