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Oklahoma wins Red River Sing-Off

Press Release Date: 10-14-2010

DURANT, Okla. – Oklahoma claimed bragging rights at the 2nd-annual Red River Sing-Off held Tuesday on the campus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Eight high school choirs from Oklahoma and Texas faced off in head-to-head competition in four divisions. The choirs, invited based on histories of outstanding performances at state and UIL events, impressed judges and audiences alike with commanding and beautiful performances of challenging choral literature.

Dr. Stacy Weger, Director of Choral Activities at Southeastern, said, “This event showcases the best of the best in high school choral music in this region. The performances by these choirs are examples of what fine teaching is taking place in the classroom and highlights the talented young people who choose to make music an integral part of their lives.

“For these directors to have prepared their students at this high level this early in the school year was outstanding. I believe people in their communities should make it a priority to hear and support these fine music organizations. They represented their hometowns and states well.”

The awards ceremony was held in Montgomery Auditorium in Morrison Hall. The event opened with a sing-in, started by Dr. Suzanne Pence of the University of Texas, leading the students in “Deep in the Heart of Texas” and followed by Dr. Charles Chapman, retired Director of Choral Activities at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, leading the singing of “Oklahoma.”

Donna McCommon, choral director from Pearl, Miss., led the audience in the National Anthem before the official University welcome by Dr. Lucretia Scoufos, Dean of Arts and Sciences at Southeastern. Pence, Chapman and McCommon also served as judges of the contest.

Following a performance by the SE Chorale, division winners and runners-up were announced by Weger, and presented by Dr. David Childs and Scoufos. Childs is an internationally acclaimed composer and conductor who served as a clinician for the Red River Sing-Off, working individually with each choir.

Winners were determined by adding all points awarded by the three judges. Divisions were based on school size.

  • Division IA : Winner – Durant High School Junior Varsity, Deborah Clements, director; runner-up, Pottsboro (Texas) High School, Leslie LeMaster, director.
  • Division 2A: Winner – Celina (Texas) High School, Kristen Littrell, director; runner-up, Vian High School, Peggy Shelby, director.
  • Division 3A: Winner – Lovejoy (Lucas, Texas) High School, Bethany Green, director; runner-up, Durant High School, Deborah Clements, director.
  • Division 4A: Winner – Bixby High School, Connie Coleman, director; runner-up, Granbury (Texas) High School, Joy Hope, director.

Lovejoy High School won the Grand Champion Award as the choir with the highest point total. Weger presented the trophy to Director Bethany Green. Lovejoy HS presented an encore piece to mark its achievement.

The presentation of the Presidential Partners Sweepstakes Cup was the climax of the awards ceremony. The Sweepstakes Award, won by Texas last year, goes to the state delegation of directors whose choirs totaled the highest number of points. Of 1,200 possible points, Oklahoma won with a total of 1,077 to1,049 for Texas. Weger presented the Presidential Partners Sweepstakes Cup to the Oklahoma directors.