Upper School Music Ensembles Medal at National Competition

It felt just like the Olympics for Ranney Upper School student musicians who proudly returned home with gold, silver and bronze medals for their exceptional performances at the annual Heritage Music Festival.

Held on April 24 at New York City’s Riverside Church, members of the Upper School Chorus and Jazz Band performed in concert with other high school ensembles at the nationally ranked festival. Ranney’s Upper School Chorus captured a gold medal in Show Choir, while the Women’s Chorus proudly earned a silver and the Jazz Band a bronze in what was a challenging and competitive program.

This year, 27 high school music departments participated and were judged on their musical excellence, challenging repertoire and performance preparedness. Under the direction of Ranney’s performing arts chair Tess Nielsen, the Chorus performed in the Nave, a beautiful and acoustically sound setting for choral singing. Members of the Chorus had the opportunity to showcase their talent with a broad repertoire that included an acappella arrangement, classical opera and an Italian ballad. They also displayed their song-and-dance-flair as they performed the “Leading Ladies” show choir medley.

Led by Ranney music teacher Kevin Cotter, Ranney’s Jazz Band also demonstrated their musical artistry. With arrangements written by Cotter, the Band performed three contemporary pieces.

Kudos to Ranney’s Upper School Music Ensembles!

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