The Mount Pleasant High School Choir competed at the Regional UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall on Friday, February 7. Seventeen earned first division ratings with sixteen MPHS soloists advancing to the state contest, up from five state qualifiers in 2024.

MPHS state solo qualifiers include seniors Danika Beckham, Maleah Duenez, Joey Dunn, Alivia Newman, Kristina Tidwell, and Madison Zepeda, juniors Preston Arnold, Taitus Chong, Aaliyah Gholston, Emileigh Hobbs, Bella Reyes, and Peyton Robinson, and sophomores Alexandra Hernandez, Elizabeth Liera, Trista Madrid-Erwin, and Sara Vanhoose. Also receiving a first division rating was freshman Esmirna Hernandez.

To qualify for the state solo and ensemble contest, a student must score a “1” on a Class 1 piece, the most difficult to memorize and perform. The state contest will be held on May 24 and 26 in Austin. The MPHS Choir is directed by Nancy Vines, assisted by Joshua Miles, with accompaniment provided by Deanna Warren and Susan Prewitt.

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MPHS Choir solo medalists

First row (L to R) Emi Hobbs, Esmirna Hernandez, Sara Vanhoose, Aaliyah Gholston, Elizabeth Liera, Bella Reyes

Second row (L to R) Kristina Tidwell, Madison Zepeda, Danika Beckham, Alivia Newman, Maleah Duenez

Third row (L to R) Joey Dunn, Alexandra Hernandez, Taitus Chong, Preston Arnold, Peyton Robinson, Trista Madrid-Erwin