Congratulations to Tillicum Middle School’s choir on being named the champions at the Best in the Northwest Festival, held on May 11 at the University of Portland.
Tillicum performed the following:
- Shosholoza – Traditional South African
- I’se the B’y – Newfoundland Folk Song arr. Robert Swift
- Jesu Dulcis Memoria – Tomas Luis de Victoria (1548-1611)
- Kyrie Eleison (from Missa Brevis K 275) – Mozart (1756-1791) edited by Jim Leininger
- J’entends le moulin – arr. Donald Patriquin
The choir was adjudicated by three highly recognized choral directors in the region. Criteria included: quality of sound, technique, literature selection and appearance. Some quotes from the judges were “What a great choir! Your preparation is evident. Keep rocking it!” and “Congratulations on an excellent performance!”
Tillicum’s choir is composed of seventh and eighth graders, and it was the fourth time the school’s choir participated in the festival. Eleven other schools took part in this year’s festival.
“I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful choral tradition,” said Tillicum Choir Director Julia Meyering. “The students wholeheartedly deserve this – they have worked so hard in and outside of class to prepare for this. I am so proud to be part of a such a wonder team of students and parents.”
Thank you to Bellevue Schools Foundation, which generously supported Tillicum’s trip to the University of Portland with an Arts, Enrichment & Innovation grant.