Friendswood High School’s choir program hit all the right notes at this year’s UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation, with all five choirs earning the highest possible rating—Sweepstakes—from all six judges.
Under the direction of Choir Directors Michael Tyer and Melissa Smith, each ensemble performed three challenging prepared pieces before a panel of three judges. Following the concert portion, choirs were given a piece of unfamiliar music to sight-read—first with six minutes of preparation, then two performances, with just two minutes to refine between them. Every judge rated the choirs with a perfect score of “1 – Superior” in concert and sight-reading.
“We are absolutely thrilled,” said Director Michael Tyer. “These students have worked so hard, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see their talent and dedication recognized at this level.”
Judge comments highlighted the excellence and musicality of each group:
Choros (Non-Varsity Men, directed by Mr. Tyer)
“Great energy and rhythmic accuracy… really nice, tall vowels. A pleasure to hear.”
Cantabile (Non-Varsity Women, directed by Mrs. Smith)
“Beautiful, healthy tone… musicality and finesse in your singing. Wonderful execution of asymmetrical meter.”
Bel Canto (Advanced Non-Varsity Women, directed by Mrs. Smith)
“Beautiful, vibrant tone! Wait… y’all are non-varsity? I thought you were varsity. GREAT job, ladies!”
Schola Cantorum (Varsity Mixed Choir, directed by Mr. Tyer)
“Lovely French diction… beautiful phrase shaping. You reminded me why I love this song so much.”
Kantorei (Varsity Women’s Choir, directed by Mr. Tyer)
“Beautiful, mature voices… breathtaking performance. Thank your director for teaching you so well.”
These UIL results further solidify Friendswood High School’s reputation for choral excellence and reflect the school’s strong commitment to the performing arts.
Under the direction of Choir Directors Michael Tyer and Melissa Smith, each ensemble performed three challenging prepared pieces before a panel of three judges. Following the concert portion, choirs were given a piece of unfamiliar music to sight-read—first with six minutes of preparation, then two performances, with just two minutes to refine between them. Every judge rated the choirs with a perfect score of “1 – Superior” in concert and sight-reading.
“We are absolutely thrilled,” said Director Michael Tyer. “These students have worked so hard, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see their talent and dedication recognized at this level.”
Judge comments highlighted the excellence and musicality of each group:
Choros (Non-Varsity Men, directed by Mr. Tyer)
“Great energy and rhythmic accuracy… really nice, tall vowels. A pleasure to hear.”
Cantabile (Non-Varsity Women, directed by Mrs. Smith)
“Beautiful, healthy tone… musicality and finesse in your singing. Wonderful execution of asymmetrical meter.”
Bel Canto (Advanced Non-Varsity Women, directed by Mrs. Smith)
“Beautiful, vibrant tone! Wait… y’all are non-varsity? I thought you were varsity. GREAT job, ladies!”
Schola Cantorum (Varsity Mixed Choir, directed by Mr. Tyer)
“Lovely French diction… beautiful phrase shaping. You reminded me why I love this song so much.”
Kantorei (Varsity Women’s Choir, directed by Mr. Tyer)
“Beautiful, mature voices… breathtaking performance. Thank your director for teaching you so well.”
These UIL results further solidify Friendswood High School’s reputation for choral excellence and reflect the school’s strong commitment to the performing arts.
