Mercy High Choir Wins First Place With A Superior Rating In Recent Competition
By Marie Kalita-Leary
Back Row (L-R) Allison Mahr, Brynn Baltramaitis, Jaelena Rivera, Claire Bauman, Sara Conroy, Abigail Goff
Middle Row (L-R) Emilee Apuzzo, Ava Bradford, Nathalie O’Neill, Chloe Tomasso, Claudia Tapler, Sarah Fosdick, Amanda Greco, Mary Darin
Front Row (L-R) Caroline Gmyrek, Elana Puszka, Emily Acri, Mae Grochowski, Mr. Matt Campisi, Catherine Walsh, Madelyn Denvir, Abigail Malczon, Amanda Ross
The Mercy High School Tour Choir traveled to Virginia Beach for the Music in the Parks Competition. The competition took place in Williamsburg, Virginia. This was the first time Mercy’s High School Music Department participated in a competition such as this. “I believe that competitions foster excellence and inspire and push students to achieve their best. It also offers a unique opportunity to hear other groups from all over the Country,” claimed Mr. Matthew Campisi, Music Director.
At the competition, Mercy performed two selections: "O Occhi Manza Mia" by Orlando diLasso and "Bring me Little Water, Sylvie" arranged by Kirby Shaw.
The awards ceremony took place at Busch Gardens. After spending the day at the park, the participating schools gathered in the evening for the distribution of awards. Twenty-four schools, divided into a Middle School Divisions and a High School Divisions, participated. Schools from New York to North Carolina were in attendance. Mercy competed as a women's choir, and won first place, with a superior rating; thus, earning the highest score of all the women's choirs that participated. Emily Acri, Class of 2019, earned the Outstanding Vocal Soloist award for her solo in "Bring Me Little Water Sylvie." “Winning this award was an amazing honor. Working hard with a wonderful group of girls and being recognized with the best vocalist award is an incredible experience. I’m very grateful that I was given the chance to share the gift of music with the people that surround me,” stated Acri.