On Feb. 5, the Clay Center for the Performing Arts, Charleston, was the site of the closing concert of the West Virginia State Conference of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and featured three groups of singers from across the state.
The Collegiate Honors Choir, directed by West Virginia native and ACDA Executive Director Tim Sharpe, highlighted the talents of eight West Liberty Concert Choir members: Ashley Carroll; Erin Mazzocca; Kayla Saunders; Laura Mullins; Christopher Hardy; Bryce Negie; Alan Cline; and Matthias Dotson.
Second to perform was the All-State Chamber Choir, comprised of 52 high-school singers selected through competitive audition. Alfred R. de Jaager, WLU Director of Choral Activities, was guest conductor for the ensemble. Bruce Ensinger, a WLU graduate, was accompanist. Additional accompaniment was performed by Dr. Matthew Harder, interim chair of WLU’s Department of Music and Theater, and three WLU students; Kelsi Clower; Branden Clegg; and Michael McDonald.
The 250-member All-State Junior High/Middle School Chorus performed in the final spot. Cheryl Anderson, another WLU graduate and recent inductee into WLU’s Alumni Wall of Fame, was guest conductor for this ensemble.