Choir will compete in the LISD solo and ensemble Feb. 22 at Hebron, following the ensemble showcase Feb. 20.  The LISD solo and ensemble contest allows students to perform in front of judges to receive a ranking of division 1 (superior), division 2 (excellent rating), or division 3 (good rating). The ranking style is similar to UIL but not directly affiliated with it.

“Right now choir is working towards our UIL competition as a choir in April, then we are also working towards [the LISD] solo and ensemble [contest] which is this Saturday,” junior Lilly Parker said. “It’s just the spirit of wanting to do more than we did for the winter concert and more than what we’ve been doing since the beginning of the year, it’s just progress.”

Competing in the LISD contest is optional for other choir groups, but students in Belle Chanson and A capella are required to participate.  

“We’ve gotten 1s in UIL ever since I’ve been at Hebron, and on my solos and ensembles I’ve gotten 1s too,” Parker said. “We have a good record with that.”

The ensembles usually perform 16th century English pieces, but this year, director Alexander Carr has chosen different music styles. He has also let students choose which pieces they want to perform.

“I am excited to sing my ensemble for a judge because I feel like we work really well together,” junior Amy Baumgardner said. “I’m in a group that’s all girls, and we are the only group in A cappella that’s all girls, but I feel like we work well together and we sound really good.”

The students have been working hard in attempt to make their performance better than past competitions, such as UIL, in which they have historically received many 1s.

“I think we will [receive a 1 again] because we started preparing very early on and I think we all like the songs.” Parker said. I think enjoying what we are doing helps us to succeed in the competition. I think we should do well at UIL.”