Whiz Kids: Loud and Proud Choirs

• Whiz Kid:  "Loud and Proud" choirs
• Nominated By: 
• Accomplishment: The WMS “Loud and Proud” choirs brought home five trophies from the 2011 Six Flags St. Louis Music Festival where they performed on Saturday, May 21.
• Key To Awesomeness: The choirs, which consist of 287 WMS students, perform under the direction of Christina Wilson Smith. The seventh/eighth grade choir received third place for their performance; the sixth grade choir received second place; the women’s choir (females in sixth, seventh and eighth grades) received second place in their division; and the men’s choir (grade 6-8 males) brought home a first place trophy. In addition, each of the choirs received a Superior rating, which is the highest attainable rating.

Nearly 50 high school, middle school and elementary school bands and choirs competed in a variety of categories at the annual event which draws groups from schools across the Midwest.

As a group, the WMS students were the recipients of the "Esprit De Corps" trophy. This is based on the students’ conduct from the time they step off the bus until the time they leave Six Flags. It is given to the ensemble that shows team work, exemplary behavior at the competition, and outstanding character and sportsmanship towards the other ensembles. It is also based on the judges’ comments and how well the choirs perform. 

The groups’ accompanist on the piano, eighth grader Emily Henley, was awarded “Outstanding Student Accompanist” for her role in the performances.

“It was so awesome to see 280 kids in their LOUD and PROUD shirts chanting ‘Loud and proud!’ The pride on their faces was priceless,” said Smith. “The kids are so excited and can't wait for next year.”