Published: May 12, 2009 12:15 am      

A musical journey

EFHS students compete in Williamsburg, Va.

On April 23, East Fairmont High School’s Elizabethans and My Fair Ladies began their eight-hour journey to Williamsburg, Va.

The groups, under the advisement of Skip Wilson, were well prepared to compete in the Festivals of Music under three categories; Madrigal, Men’s Choir, and Women’s Choir. Singing songs such as “Weep,” “Oh Mine Eyes,” “River in Judea,” and “The Poet Sings,” East Fairmont was sure to give the other 17 schools from nine states some tough competition.

However, the trip was not all strictly business. On Thursday night, the students and their chaperons were treated to a lovely dinner at Shield’s Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg. Afterward, they were given a Ghost Tour and learned some history of the town, as well as information about the spirits that are thought by many to still inhabit the area.

Friday morning began the day of intense competition. Students arrived at the First Baptist Church of Newport News with their minds set on receiving Superior ratings — the highest one can receive competing in the Festivals of Music.

The Elizabethans were the first EFHS group to show off their skills beginning with their Maypole dance. Instrumental solos were performed by Meredith Pheasant on the dulcimer and Jake Eakin and Jake Rakosky playing guitar. The group performed three songs; “Fair Phyllis, I Saw Sitting” (John Farmer), “Weep, Oh Mine Eyes” (John Bennett), and “April is in My Mistress’ Face” (Thomas Morley). Speaking parts were delivered by seniors Kayla Pomp and Mariah Ellington, juniors Paris Winfrey, Seth Stemple, Tyler Hudson and Karrah Knotts, and sophomore Ory VanGilder. The judges of the competition told the group that they had “encompassed the realm of the Renaissance era” and offered up a generous “Bravo.”

The Men’s Ensemble, consisting of the Elizabethan men came on next performing their two songs, “River in Judea” (Linda Marrows, Jack Feldman) and “Flow Gently Sweet Afton” (Douglas Wagner), with student accompaniment by sophomore Emily DeVault on the piano. The judges said that the men “had a mature sound and would love to have any of them sing with their college groups”.

“It was exciting and nerve wracking but a lot of fun,” said sophomore Brodin Ramsey of his first choral competition.

The Women’s Choir, combining the women of the Elizabethans and the My Fair Ladies came out last. They performed “A New Day” (Audra Snyder) and “The Poet Sings” (Z. Randall Stroope), again with DeVault accompanying. When the judges came on stage to speak to the women, they told them that they had “performed very artistically.”

“It was enthralling to be able to show off what we’ve worked so hard for. I just wanted to know how we all did,” said sophomore Faith Kline.

However, the groups would have to wait until the next day’s award ceremony to find out the results. After the long day of competition, the students were taken on a dinner and dance party cruise on the “Showboat” around the Chesapeake Bay.

On Saturday, students awoke, excited to ride roller coasters at Busch Gardens. Students broke up into several small groups and strategically planned out which rides to get in line for first. After hours of standing in line and riding, everyone met up around two at the Royal Palace Theatre in the park for the award ceremony. Everyone nervously awaited the results but had a great amount of confidence in their performances.

And they had good reason to be confident, too! The Elizabethans won first place in the Madrigal division and received Superior ratings. The Men’s Ensemble received first place in their division, also receiving Superior ratings. The Women’s Chorus received Superior ratings and took home second place. Another award was given to the unsuspecting Emily DeVault for her outstanding work as the student accompanist.

Students finished up their day riding more rides and enjoying their success in the competition. Later that evening, they returned to their hotel for “Senior Night” and a pizza party at the pool.

On Sunday morning, the students were taken to Colonial Williamsburg and allowed to tour the area by themselves, taking in the beauty of the town as well as the merchandise in the shops. Around noon they began their journey home arriving back at the school a little after eight that night.

“The trips are a wonderful educational experience affording the students the opportunity to compete with some of the top choral programs across the nation and exposing them to several cultural aspects of the area where the festival is held,” said Wilson.

A special thanks is owed to the many people who made this trip possible. To all of the parent chaperons, without you, we would never have been able to go on this trip. To our bus drivers form the Budget Charters Inc., thank you for getting us to all out destinations on time and safe.

To the Clarion Hotel of Williamsburg, thank you for accommodating all of us and providing us with a great breakfast each morning. To our security guards, thank you for keeping an eye on us throughout the nights.

And finally to Skip Wilson, you are the greatest music teacher any of us could ask for. Without your guidance and dedication, we would never have had this opportunity. Thank you all so very much!

These three groups, as well as the Freshman Choir, will perform next on Friday, May 15, at 7 p.m. in the East Fairmont High School auditorium. Tickets are $5 and will be available for purchase at the door.