Citrus High School Chorus Shines at S&E Regionals, Four Students Advance to State
By Student Writer: Bonnie Bunn
The CHS Chorus is celebrating a major achievement after a standout performance at the Solo & Ensemble (S&E) Regional competition, with four talented students advancing to the State level. Ayden Wilcox, Izzy Leonard, Jonah Thomas, and Hailey Marques earned high ratings for their performances, marking a moment of pride for both the students and their choir director, Mr. John Edel.
A Moment of Triumph
For the students, the news of advancing to State was met with excitement and a sense of accomplishment.
“I was excited. I felt like I really made an improvement,” said Ayden Wilcox.
“This was the first time I really felt like I succeeded in something in my whole life,” added Jonah Thomas. “I was really excited after I actually realized what I had just achieved, and now I’m going to State.”
Hailey Marques echoed the sentiment, saying, “When I found out, I was beyond excited. I pride myself on my musicality, so it made me feel accomplished!”
The Performances and Preparation
The students performed a variety of challenging pieces, demonstrating their vocal range and dedication to their craft. Wilcox sang Amarilli Mia Bella by Giulio Caccini and The King of Love My Shepherd Is by Charles Gounod, while Leonard performed Wind of the Western Sea by Graham Peel and Be Piacere by George Frideric Handel, and Thomas performed Le Violette by Alessandro Scarlatti.
Marques took on the musical theater category with There’s A Fine, Fine Line by Robert Lopez and The Worst Pies in London by Stephen Sondheim. “Whenever I perform, I find myself engrossed not only in the piece but in the character I am portraying,” she said. “It’s a very powerful and enriching experience.”
Despite their success, the road to Regionals wasn’t without challenges. From memorizing lyrics to tackling complex compositions, each student had to push themselves. “Sondheim’s work is known for being very complicated,” Marques admitted. “It takes a certain level of determination to put your full self into his music.”
The Role of CHS Chorus and Mr. Edel
A significant factor in their success was the guidance of Mr. Edel, whose passion for music education has shaped the students into stronger vocalists.
“Mr. Edel and the Chorus have been great for me,” said Wilcox. “He really helped me improve my voice, and now I’m learning composition in Music Theory.”
Jonah Thomas described Mr. Edel as “a second father,” crediting him with pushing him toward a music scholarship. Marques agreed, saying, “He has been nothing but support and inspiration, not only for what I do now but for what I aspire to do in my future.”
Looking Ahead to State
With Regionals behind them, the students now set their sights on State, each with clear goals in mind.
“I want to get a Superior with Distinction, the highest score,” said Wilcox.
For Thomas, the stakes feel even higher. “My goal is to be recognized as a good musician by someone big, and if getting a Superior with Distinction brings me closer to that, I’m going to do my best.”
A Bright Future for CHS Chorus
For Mr. Edel, the students’ success is a testament to their dedication and the strength of the CHS Chorus program. “As a whole, this means we have students who are dedicated and striving for excellence,” he said. “As the students get better individually, our choir will get better as a whole.”
He hopes this achievement will inspire more students to join. “They know it’s hard work, but in the end, it’s worth it—not just for the ratings but for the improvements they make along the way.”
As for students considering joining CHS Chorus, Mr. Edel has a simple message: “Bring it on, let’s do this!”
With talent, determination, and a strong support system behind them, the Citrus High School Chorus is poised for even greater success at State.