This year GCAA has 11 small ensembles going to compete at the state level.  Small ensembles competed at Parkway Central while choir groups participated in the Large Ensemble Contest, an event held at Ritenour Sr. High School.

Preather Pruitt, junior, competed in both solo and small ensemble, receiving the highest possible score for both. Gabby Jordan, junior, was the head of her ensemble, called Girls Jordan, and also received the highest score for her solo and group.

The competitors were rated on a 1-5 scale, 1 being the highest score which indicated exemplary work.  Both the solo singers and small ensembles prepared two songs and were judged accordingly.  Students who received a 1 will go on to compete at the state level at The University of Missouri in April.

Choir groups that participated in the large ensemble contest were Camerata, Concert Choir Men, Concert Choir Treble and Advanced Treble Choir.  Camerata received a 1, and the other groups received a 2, indicating outstanding  work, according to the scale that they were scored on.

“I feel especially proud because the majority of the students that went to large ensemble had never been, so it was a very new experience,” said Wes Smith, vocal music.

Pruitt says he is proud of his score, but is somewhat surprised that he earned it.  He said that he is proud of the work he put into it, but at the same time made a lot of mistakes, but he is proud of this achievement.

Jordan participated in two ensembles, but she feels like she and her group should have prepared more for one of them.

“Just preparedness.  We hadn’t rehearsed as much as we should have,” said Jordan.

Pruitt was not nervous for this ensemble, Men’s Clawges, in fact, he says he normally does not get nervous. Pruitt enjoys solos because they give you more time to prepare, because you don’t have to rely on people.  However, he prefers ensembles.  He says that the ensembles he is in are typically very reliable.

“I like the sound of harmony, so I would say I like ensembles better,” Pruitt said.

Jordan, on the other hand prefers solos.  She enjoys the freedom of creativity and individualism that they allow.

“When you do solos you can make the song your own and do it how you interpreted it, but with ensembles you have to come together as a whole group and balance.  Solos are more fun for me because I can do whatever I want,” said Jordan.

Smith has helped prepare the students for this contest.  He is proud of the improvement that his vocal music students have made.  Last year 6 groups competed at state level, and this year that number has risen to 11.