Rowe High earns top singing awards at San Antonio festival

McAllen ISD’s James “Nikki” Rowe High Choir earned Superior 1st Division ratings plus a Performance of Distinction recognition at the 54th annual San Antonio Madrigal and Chamber Choir Festival (known as MadFest) at Trinity Baptist Church March 1 in San Antonio.

“This accolade is noteworthy because this choral festival is the most prestigious contest in the state of Texas,” Rowe Choir Director Jason Whitney said. “What started so many years ago has become a standard of superb choral music making.”

This festival is held in three cities, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston. Each site is unique in that they hold different competing divisions.

San Antonio is known for its Chamber (maximum of 32 singers) Division plus its Small Ensemble (maximum of 20 singers) Division. The Chamber Division is where the best of the best choirs compete for the title of grand champion, 1st runner up, 2nd runner up and 3rd runner up. Choirs in the Chamber Division can also be awarded a Performance of Distinction for, not only a superior, but an outstanding performance.

“We are extremely excited and proud that our first showing at the San Antonio MadFest resulted in Superior Ratings from all three judges as well as a Performance of Distinction,” Whitney said.

One of the highlights of the experience are the “Choir Exchanges.”

“MadFest provides incredible opportunities for groups to sing in some spectacular spaces like The Chapel at Incarnate Word, the Missions at San Jose and Mission Concepcion,” Whitney said. “Three to five choirs will meet at one of these spaces and perform their contest repertoire for each other and cheer each other on in the process. This creates a sense of community, encouragement, and good sportsmanship when it comes to the contest.”