A contingent of middle school students traveled to Providence, Rhode Island, on Wednesday, February 28, to rehearse and perform in the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Eastern Regional Honor Choirs.

Being selected to perform in these distinguished elementary and middle school choirs is a notable achievement as King students competed with students across the northeast, from Delaware to Maine. This year, over 1,800 students auditioned for this event, and only 200 singers were selected. 

To qualify for the choir, students made an a cappella recording and submitted it to the ACDA East audition panel in September. Singing a cappella, or without musical accompaniment to help keep tune, is demanding. This test gave the panelists a clear sense of each student’s skill level. 

Students credited performing arts teacher Eleanor Bach for their success, pointing to the critical guidance she offered during the audition process.

“I was nervous to submit an audition recording for the ACDA Eastern Region Middle School Honor Choir, but Ms. Bach emboldened me and ensured that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain,” said Eden Weisel ’28. “To feel capable enough to audition was a win, but to have been a part of this group of talented students in Providence was a dream.”

In January, the ACDA announced the music selections that would be performed in the concerts. Since that announcement, Bach worked with each student as they learned their parts. Upon arrival in Providence, students were required individually to do a musical note check to prove they had learned the music well enough to stay and perform in the concert. This test set a high bar, as anyone unable to pass it was sent home by the association.

Bach’s guidance resonated, and all of the students arrived ready and were asked to stay. 

“Ms. Bach helped me prepare for this high-level performance by always making time for me, meeting me during office hours and study halls, and also during some select choir classes,” shared Sophia Skiba ’30. 

Rehearsals prior to the concerts pushed students beyond their comfort zones as they were assigned seats with performers they had never met before. Throughout the event, the students bonded and made connections with students from across the Northeast.

“I didn't know what to expect,” said Ella McKee ’29, reflecting on her first impressions of the group. “I took a deep breath and came home with about 15 new friends.”

Bach praised the students for their dedication and hard work throughout the process.

“The performing arts are so personal, especially singing, because you can't just go and buy the newer and better model,” she said. “You have to actually work with the instrument you were born with and practice and grow your technique each day.”

Congratulations to the following students:
Elementary American Choral Directors Association Eastern Regional Honor Choir (Grade 4 - Grade 6)
Claire Beckmann ’30
Ella Breakstone ’30
Josephine Iguchi ’30
Sophia Skiba ’30

Middle School/Jr. High American Choral Directors Association Eastern Regional Honor Choir (Grade 7 - Grade 9)
Audrey Asnes ’29
Lucianna Herrera ’29
Kaitlyn Lee ’28
Ella McKee ’29
Emma Rodrigues ’29
Finn Russell ’28
Patrick Sponheimer ’29
Chenxiao "Tiger" Wang ’29
Eden Weisel ’28