Texas edges Oklahoma in high school choir competition; Norman North wins Grand Champion

Press Release Date: 10-22-2009

DURANT, Okla. – Texas earned bragging rights at Southeastern Oklahoma State University's first Red River Sing-Off held on Oct. 14.

Ten high school choirs, five each from Oklahoma and Texas, met in head-to-head competition in five divisions in the inaugural event. The choirs were invited to participate based on a history of superior performance at state and UIL events.

Dr. Stacy Weger, Director of Choral Activities at Southeastern, said, "We planned this event to showcase the best of the best in high school choral music in this region. The performances exceeded even our highest expectations. For these directors to have prepared their students at this level this early in the school year was astounding. I believe people in their communities should make it a priority to hear and support these fine young musicians. They represented their hometowns and states well."

The awards ceremony, held in Montgomery Auditorium in historic Morrison Hall, featured students and high energy as winners were announced. Dr. Larry Minks, Interim President of Southeastern, Dr. Lucretia Scoufos, Dean of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Steven Emge, chair of the Department of Music, were in attendance at the awards ceremony, along with members of the music faculty.

The Southeastern Chorale began the awards event with a performance of Ginastera's "O Vos Omnes." Dr. Joey Martin, Director of Choral Activities at Texas State University, led the students in "Texas, Our Texas;" Dr. Brent Ballweg, Director of Choral Activities at Southern Nazarene University, led the singing of "Oklahoma;" and Dr. Jerry Ann Alt, Director of Choral Activities at New Mexico State University, led the audience in the National Anthem prior to the official University welcome by Dr. Minks.

Martin, Ballweg and Alt also served as judges for the Sing-Off.

The presentation of the Presidential Partners Sweepstakes Cup climaxed the awards ceremony. The Sweepstakes award went to the delegation of Texas directors whose choirs had the highest point totals. Each state had the potential to earn 1,500 points.

Texas schools compiled 1,260 points to 1,248 for Oklahoma and claimed the Sweepstakes award in the first Red River Sing-Off, a contest scheduled to become an annual event on the Southeastern campus.

Norman North High School took the Grand Champion award as the choir with the highest point total for the event. The trophy was presented to director Tony Gonzalez by Dr. David Childs, Director of Choral Activities at Vanderbilt University and internationally acclaimed composer and conductor. Childs also served as guest clinician and worked with each choir individually.

Norman North performed an encore piece to mark its achievement.

Division winners and runners-up were announced by Weger with awards presented by Emge. Winners were determined by adding all points awarded by the three judges. Divisions were based on school size.

Division 1A: Winner – Celina (Texas), Kristen Littrell, director. Runner-up -- Vian (Okla.), Peggy Shelby, director.

Division 2A: Winner – Durant (Okla.), Deborah Clements, director. Runner-up – Gainesville (Texas), Kevin Beall, director.

Division 3A: Winner – Bartlesville (Okla.), Wes Singleton, director. Runner-up – Wichita Falls (Texas) Rider, Karen Bacus, director.

Division 4A: Winner – Norman North (Okla.), Tony Gonzalez, director. Runner-up – Granbury (Texas), Joy Hope, director.

Division 5A: Winner – Hebron (Texas), Rachel Forester, director. Runner-up – Mustang (Okla.), Cynthia Gass, director.