MCCA students chosen for All-State Choir

From Staff Reports

McCLURE -- Eleven Mifflin County Christian Academy students will participate in the 2023 All-State Choir, Nov. 16-18.

MCCA is part of the Keystone Christian Education Association. Each year, KCEA receives auditions from Christian schools throughout the state and assembles the choir.

MCCA students include Isaiah Mitchell, Jude Gisewhite, Isaac Gentzel, Malachi Angney, Sarah Peachey, Lucy Hoffmaster, Elle Hart, Lydia God, Myra Gentzel, Sophie VanScyoc and Lilly Todd.

A guest conductor works with the students from Thursday evening up until the performance on Saturday.

Traditionally, the program was held in the Rotunda at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. COVID changed that a few years ago.

The students now meet at a church in Lebanon, for rehearsals. This year, they received permission to go back to the Capitol for recording on Friday, while the performance will still be on Saturday, Nov. 18 at the church.

The students had to meet with MCCA Choir Director Mr. Josh Tetreau, along with former Music Director, Terry Newcomer, to learn the music and practice, until it was time to record and send in the audition tapes.

They then wait to see the results of the audition. Once they've been accepted, they keep working on the music until they head to work with the director. This year, the directors are Dr. Russ Shelley, Juniata College director of choral and vocal studies and Elma Stine Heckler, professor of music chair.