Members of 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 6. Nine earned first division ratings and will advance to the state contest.

MPHS state solo qualifiers include seniors Aaliyah Gholston, Emileigh Hobbs, Mattie Merriman, and Peyton Robinson, and juniors Itzel Bello, Lenayha Edney, Elizabeth Liera, Trista Madrid-Erwin, and Sara Vanhoose.

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 23 and 25 in Austin. The MPHS Choir is directed by Nancy Vines, assisted by Joshua Miles, with accompaniment provided by Deanna Warren and Susan Prewitt.

Photo:

MPHS Choir solo state qualifiers (L to R)

1st row Itzel Bello, Peyton Robinson, Mattie Merriman, Emi Hobbs, Aaliyah Gholston

2nd row Trista Madrid-Erwin, Lenayha Edney, Elizabeth Liera, Sara Vanhoose