The students and staff of the Union High School Performing Arts Company (UHSPAC) traveled to Washington, DC this spring to compete in the National WorldStrides Heritage Festival. WorldStrides On-stage programs aim to fuel the passion of aspiring artists of all ages by providing world-class performance opportunities in music, drama, and dance. Groups competing for the UHSPAC were the swing choir, symphonic band, indoor color guard, and marching band.
Ensembles from across the country came to compete, with the UHSPAC ranking at the top of the pack. The UHSPAC swing choir finished with a Gold/Superior Rating, with the highest score of the entire competition; as a result, they were granted the title of Best Overall Choral Ensemble. Their fifteen minute show, comprised of the music from the Broadway Musical “Beautiful: The Carol King Musical,” was a hit, and won them the Adjudicator Award for being the judges’ favorite in that category.
Swing Choir Director James Mosser shared, “Going to a national festival gives the students a chance to perform in different venues, and compete against lots of different kids from across the country. It was really exciting to see that our students are among the best in the country: earning top honors and all of the possible awards in their category. These students have a lot to be proud of.”
The indoor color guard had a strong showing with a Gold Rating; they also finished first in their group and took home the Adjudicator Award. The symphonic band and marching band both finished with Gold Rating. The two ensembles were also awarded the Adjudicator Award, and the parade band walked away with the titles of Best Music, Best Percussion, and Best Marching. The symphonic band was named Outstanding Overall Band.
Band Director Laura Muller added, “Our UHSPAC students had an amazing day of competition. From the swing choir to the symphonic band, to the parade band and indoor color guard, every single student demonstrated high levels of skill and discipline. They performed their activities with pride and represented our school district with great energy and passion. We are so proud of their accomplishments! We would also like to thank the parents who traveled out to support us and all the chaperones.”
(above) The Union High School Performing Arts Company.
Swing Choir:
Gold Superior Rating, 1st Place
Maestro Award: Emilee Litvinchuk
Adjudicator Award
Outstanding Overall Choir
Color Guard:
Gold Rating, 1st Place
Adjudicator Award
Parade Band:
Gold Rating, 1st Place
Best Music
Best Percussion
Best Marching and Maneuvering
Adjudicator Award
Symphonic Band:
Gold Rating, 1st Place
Adjudicator Award
Outstanding Overall Band
