Liberty Choirs Shine at State and in Special Performance
The TAPPS State Vocal Competition took place on April 16 and 17 in Belton, Texas, at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor.
Upper School Choir Director Ann Smith
“Everyone did their best on this day, and gave their first fruits,” said Ann Smith, Upper School choir director.
Liberty Christian students gave outstanding performances, and were awarded the following honors, with I being superior, and II being excellent:
Large Ensemble – Chorale – II
Sacred Ensemble – Kate Vogelzang, Courtney Zanetti, Audra Fulp, Karin Smith, Hunter Dansby, Ben Lytle, Jared Lawson, Chris Admire, Brian Jenkins, Hayden Erwin, and Madison Oliver – I
Small Ensemble – Kate Vogelzang, Audra Fulp, and Karin Smith – I
Violin Solo – Karin Smith – I
“We took eight solos, and all eight received a I rating,” said Smith. “This is a first in our choir history!”
The outstanding soloists were: Skylar Ashlock, Hayden Erwin, Ben Lytle, Audra Fulp, Madison Oliver, Erin Ramsey, Karin Smith, and Brandi Trost.
In other choir news, Liberty Christian’s Dolce Voces, a small ladies ensemble, performed with the world-renowned University of North Texas Percussion Ensemble on April 22. Dolce Voces performed an original composition by Arthur Lipner, with Lipner playing as they sang.
“It was a very sophisticated piece that they had to perform,” Smith said. “I was so proud of our girls and how they contributed to this concert,” Smith said.
Dolce Voces is comprised of Liberty students Skylar Ashlock, Meredith Burgess, Alexa Hernandez, Michaela Kern, Caroline Kirkpatrick, Micah Lawler, Katie McGee, Anna Payne, Maggie Quam, Erin Ramsey, Sarah Robinson, Hannah Spates, and Brandi Trost.
Liberty English teacher and parent Ruthie Quam attended the event and said, “I loved hearing the girls sing with the UNT percussion band.
Liberty English Teacher and Parent Ruthie Quam
“They did an outstanding job, and what an incredible opportunity for them to sing at that type of venue.
“Ann Smith continues to amaze me with what she can pull from her students.
“More than once I have been moved to tears as I listened to them sing – they truly sing for Him.”
To prepare for the event, Dolce Voces met every morning for two weeks before school to rehearse. The piece required a serious time commitment by the girls.
Along with writing the piece, the composer is also filming a documentary, which might include the Dolce Voces concert.
Both the composer, Arthur Lipner, and Percussion Department Chair Mark Ford, were very pleased with the entire performance.