In late February, thirteen MCCL singers along with with parents and Mrs. Blessing, MCCL Artistic Director, traveled to Providence, Rhode Island, to participate in the Middle School Gospel Choir and High School SSAA Honor Choirs at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Eastern Division Conference. These singers applied or auditioned last fall for a chance to join the selective ensembles.
From more than 2,000 applicants, 800 students from ten eastern states were chosen through a blind audition process to sing in one of four choirs. Once selected, students spent months learning musically rigorous repertoire on their own with coaching from MCCL staff before gathering in Providence from February 25–28—just two days after the city was blanketed by a historic 37.5-inch snowstorm.
Under the direction of internationally recognized conductors Cindy Ellis (High School SSAA) and Robert Gibson (Middle School Gospel), the singers rehearsed intensely for a total of 17 hours over four days.
They collaborated with professional musicians, worked closely with guest artists, and even met composers whose works they performed, including Rollo Dilworth and Tehillah Alphons—both of whom contributed pieces written or arranged specifically for the ACDA All‑Eastern Conference.
Each choir’s final performance was a celebration of teamwork, discipline, and joy, greeted by enthusiastic standing ovations.
Highlights of the ACDA Honors Choir:
- spending time with new and old friends
- singing fun and challenging repertoire
- meeting the composers of their pieces
For MCCL staff, singers, and parents, the ACDA Honor Choirs experience was truly unforgettable—an inspiring blend of musical growth, personal connection, and the thrill of making music at a high artistic level.