The Triangle Youth Chorus Trophy

The Triangle Youth Chorus Trophy initiative was established in 2004. Its purpose is encourage and promote choral singing in public schools, and to recognize the achievements of youth ensembles and music educators.

The Trophy is an inventive metal sculpture: 14 choristers on a wood base, with plaques for 30 years of recipients. It's big, fun and impressive. Designed by North Carolina artist Lyle Estill, the Trophy is a sort of "Stanley Cup" for young choral singers. It is presented in the spring and retained by the winning school for one year.

Along with the Trophy comes: a $750 cash grant for travel, supplies, attire, celebration or other purposes; a $300 credit toward music scores; a professional recording session; Trophy T-shirts for the chorus members.

All applicant groups have the opportunity to have their work heard around the world in a special segment of WCPE’s “Great Sacred Music.” (Check out the Trophy recipients recap aired in late 2007.) They also are eligible for a master class with one of the local stellar choral leaders who have volunteered to support the Trophy initiative.

The Trophy was most recently presented on April 21, 2009, to the Durham School of the Arts Advanced Middle School Chorus, an auditioned mixed-voice ensemble directed by Laura Delauney. This year, an Award of Merit was given as well, to the Martin Middle School (Raleigh) Chorus led by Ramona Jenner.

ELIGIBILITY AND AWARDING

The Trophy is awarded to an ensemble of 20 or more singers – mixed voice, female or male – at a public school in Wake, Durham, Orange or Chatham County. Choruses typically are nominated by their teacher/director, but application may be by the school principal, a colleague or anyone familiar with a group's accomplishments. 2009 marked the Trophy's debut as a middle school competition, which will occur every two years, alternating with high school ensembles.

Previous Trophy winners were Durham School of the Arts Chorale, led by Scott Hill (2004); Sandpipers of Jesse O. Sanderson High School, Raleigh, directed by Marshall Butler (2005); Chamber Choir of Enloe High School, Raleigh, conducted by Ann Huff (2006); Jordansound of C.E Jordan High School, Durham, directed by Joe Lupton (2007); Capital Pride of Leesville Road High School, Raleigh, directed by Diane Covington (2008).

An Advisory Board of educators, conductors, music critics and choral enthusiasts reviews written and performance materials submitted. Evaluation is based on musical excellence andother factors – such as the choir's impact on its members, the school and the community, chorus development (vocal quality, repertoire, number of participants, member diversity), etc. Board members are: Lance Buhl, Buhl & Associates; Scott Hill, Durham Children's Choir; Ken Hoover, WCPE; Lori O'Keefe, Triangle Community Foundation; John Lambert, Classical Voice of North Carolina; Lisa McIver, Brightleaf Music Workshop; Fran Page, Capital City Girls Choir/Meredith College; Carol Robbins, TriangleSings!; Alfred Sturgis, North Carolina Master Chorale/Carolina Ballet. As the director of the previous year's winning chorus, Diane Covington joined the Board for the current Trophy year.

SPONSORSHIP

Financial supporters of the Trophy initiative are: Hinshaw Music, Inc., TriangleSings!, Alice and Lance Buhl, Walton Music Corporation, Lisa and Tom McIver, Sally Albrecht and Jay Althouse, and Burrage Music Company.

In addition to its generous donation, Hinshaw provides a music credit to the winning chorus for the coming year. Mark Manring annually photographs the award ceremony and produces a CD for the winning ensemble. Master classes are offered gratisby Bill Carroll, Dan Huff, Sue Klausmeyer, Fran Page, Larry Speakman, Al Sturgis and Rodney Wynkoop.

Additional sponsors are invited to join the effort. If you are interested in encouraging young people in the Triangle to sing and sing well please consider getting involved by contacting any member of the Advisory Board or youthpromusica@aol.com for further information.