Congratulations to the Festival Choir Members and a huge thank you to everyone that contributed their time and assistance to the success of the day! It takes everyone doing their part to make something this special come together. The audition this year was tough, with more students trying out than in previous years. From my perspective, it was worth it! We truly had a talented group of young people in the choir!

I can hardly believe that it is time to address my attention to the 2009 Statewide Middle Level Festival Choir Auditions and preparations. I truly appreciate the input I have received on the various aspects of the audition process and festival day. Please, feel free to e-mail me and let me know what you think worked well and what you think might need some tweaking.

Thank you to the KMEA leadership for their support and advice! I especially want to thank John Taylor, Troy Johnson, Randy Fillmore, Kevin Findley, Jean Ney, and Marlo Zumbrunn. With their talents, abilities, and positive outlook, the day just seemed to flow flawlessly along! I would also like to express how much I appreciate the percussion players who were the nicest young men (besides being fabulous performers)!

You will receive your first look at the 2009 Festival Choir Literature at the KCDA Summer Convention July 10-12, in Topeka. The audition piece will be Dona Nobis Pacem. The key signature for each sections audition will be decided by the demands of the literature and will be available at the summer convention as well as being put online right after the convention. I would like to extend an invitation to everyone to come and enjoy this summers convention. Dr. Judy Bowers, our 2008 KMEA Statewide Middle Level Festival Choir Clinician, will be one of the many fabulous presenters in attendance! If any of you were fortunate enough to watch her work with the students in the Middle Level Choir, you are already convinced that she has much to share! She is a master at working with developmental choirs! It will be a tremendous time of learning from many talented musicians who care about the growth and development of students. I do hope you will take the time to expand your horizons and enjoy exchanging information and ideas with your colleagues this summer.

Best wishes for a fabulous and rewarding end of the school year!