2020 All-County Chorus: Elementary, Intermediate, and Middle

Talented students gather to celebrate the arts and choral music during the Feb. 25 All-County Chorus Concert.

Story/Photos By: Benjamin Rickert, BCS Communications

Talented students will gather to celebrate the arts and choral music during the February 25 All-County Chorus Concert at 7 p.m. at Brookstone Church in Weaverville, North Carolina. This evening’s free, public performance will feature students selected from all Buncombe County elementary, intermediate, and middle schools. The two-day event gives young artists the opportunity to perform alongside their peers, work with accomplished guest directors and accompanists, and learn challenging new music.

“The purpose of All-County is to the bring the brightest and best from each school together to learn advanced music and sing at a higher level,” said Ms. Janna Brendell, Choral Director at Charles D. Owen Middle School.

Each year, acclaimed guest directors and accompanists are invited to lead the students in two days of rehearsals and workshops, culminating in a well-attended performance hosted by a local arts venue.

“[They] deserve an opportunity to be challenged,” said Clyde A Erwin Middle School Choral Director Ms. Lindsey Costner. “The more opportunities students have to work with successful people, the more opportunities they will have to be successful in the future.”

This year, Ms. Laura Jean Reed of Greenville’s Stone Academy for Communication Arts was selected to direct the elementary and intermediate chorus, alongside accompanist Kristen Dominguez of Candler’s Hominy Baptist Church. Ms. Laura Sam of the Women's Voices Chorus of Chapel Hill and the Front Street United Methodist Church in Burlington was chosen to lead the middle school chorus, alongside accompanist Mr. Kyle Ritter of The Cathedral of All Souls in Asheville.

“I’m really appreciative of the repertoire choice — how it lends itself to multiple cultures — and I know my school certainly appreciates that showcase of diversity and visibility,” Costner said.

“Arts programs change kids’ lives,” Brendell added. “From enhancing education and test scores, to team-building and cooperative work, I believe it makes them more sensitive and insightful human beings.”

The February 25 performance will be held at Brookstone church’s Weaverville venue, located at 90 Griffee Rd.

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View more photos photos taken during the Monday, Feb. 24, evening rehearsals on Facebook.

DISTRICT

Elementary

Intermediate

Middle

High

Other

Buncombe County Schools