On Friday, April 25, Highlands High School’s talented members of Chamber and Bel Canto, two of Highlands Choir groups, went on an unforgettable trip to Tennessee.
Their trip took them to the well-known Dollywood to compete in “Music in the Parks,” where multiple choir classes come to compete. Not all classes sang; some were show choirs where they sang and danced.
To start their trip, when they first arrived in Tennessee, they went to The Island, known for its rides and shops. They walked around enjoying each other’s company and doing fun activities like laser tag.
Later that day, they went to eat at the Stampede, a popular local restaurant, to watch a dinner show while enjoying their meal. After enjoying their delicious lunch, they went to the hotel to rest and relax in the pool, getting ready for their big competition the next day.
The next day, they woke up bright and early, ready to compete.
On Saturday, both choirs performed in the Music in the Parks, where they showed their vocal skills. Bel Canto and Chamber had breathtaking performances that showed off their hard work and dedication.
In the end, Bel Canto excelled in their division, getting best best-tendered choir and winning superior (90-100).
Their hard work and dedication paid off in the end as they got praised for their amazing performance. Making not only them but their choir teacher, Chris Eaton, proud.
“I was super proud of the students for all of the hard work they put in has paid off in such a cool way,” Choir teacher Chris Eaton said.
Chamber had an equally impressive performance. Chambers’ talented members took home the title of Best High School Choir Overall, reflecting their dedication and the hard work that has come from all their practicing. Their big win is a testament to their dedication and the year of effort they have put into the choir.
“I think winning speaks more about the students and I’m just very lucky to work with kids who are willing to work hard,” Eaton said.
Right after the competition, they went to Dollywood to celebrate their exciting wins and share laughs. They enjoyed a fun afternoon in the park, riding rides, going to the aquarium, and taking pictures with the trophies their hard work got them.
After an exciting day at Dollywood, both classes made their way back to the hotel to get ready to pack their stuff up to leave the next day.
On Sunday morning, as their trip was coming to an end, they went to a shopping center where they found a store called Chocolate Monkey that sold chocolate everything.
“I really enjoyed the chocolate frozen banana I got from the chocolate monkey! Mr. Eaton went in there with us, and it was so fun,” Caroline Eagen (10) said.
On their way home, they stopped to hike and enjoy the view before heading home. They got to hike a little bit of the Smoky Mountains and enjoy a waterfall on their way. Enjoying the peacefulness of nature and ending their trip with a memorable view.
“I loved seeing the Smoky Mountains on the way home. I’m a nature guy through and through, so it was such a cool experience,” Eaton said.
Chambers Best High School Choir’s Overall title was well-deserved, as well as Bel Cantos’ first place in their division. It was the sense of teamwork and shared adventure that made the trip memorable and special for all choir students and choir teachers.
“After hearing the performance, it made me realize that everyone’s voice counts and makes a difference in the choir, including mine,” Caroline Webber (10) said.
