On May 27-29^th, thirteen Greenville High School Choir students competed in the Texas UIL State Solo & Ensemble Competition held at the University of Texas in Austin. Ten students brought home awards including three Division I solo ratings, which is the highest that can be achieved, six Division II solo ratings, and one Division I octet ensemble rating.

Soloists who earned a Division I rating were: senior, Amanda Rodgers, sophomore, Gage Hollis, and junior, Charles Johnson. The following six soloists received a Division II rating: freshmen, Larry Robbins-Ramirez and Jazmyne Thomas, sophomore, Ayanna Allen, junior, Jessi Fawcett, and seniors, Manda Marion and Jace Golden.

“I am so proud of the hard work that these students have put in this year,” said GHS Choir Director, Yvette Vasquez. “Their showmanship and musicality has improved immensely over the course of the year and I cannot wait to see what the next year holds for these young musicians,” she said.

Additionally, the GHS Choir octet received a Division I rating on their ensemble performance, garnering comments from the judges such as, "spectacular ensemble", and "perfect blend." Octet members included Jace Golden, Manda Marion, Jessi Fawcett, Ayanna Allen, Jazmyne Thomas, Nerón Corona, Charles Johnson and Gage Hollis.

During their time in Austin, the students were able to experience a cultural weekend, including a professional choir and orchestra concert by Chorus Austin, an open air graffiti museum, a visit to Strait Music Company, sampling ethnic foods, an artisan market tour and many other offerings unique to Austin. “The students loved it! Every one of them told me it was the ‘best trip ever!’” said Vasquez.

The Greenville High School Choir program is a thriving part of Greenville ISD’s fine arts initiatives. For more information about Choir programs in GISD, contact Director, Yvette Vasquez at vasquezy@greenvilleisd.com.