Months of long rehearsals and countless run-throughs lead to one moment: the judges’ final scores. The North Broward choir holds its breath. Finally, the scores arrive. They receive straight superiors, the best rating possible for the choir members. For the students, this is more than a competition; it is the peak of all their hard work and dedication throughout the school year.
This achievement marks the first time in school history that the choir receives straight superior ratings at the MPA competition. MPA, or Music Performance Assessment, is a statewide evaluation where choir students perform prepared musical pieces for a panel of judges. By earning the highest score in every category, the North Broward choir demonstrates their dedication, teamwork, and discipline in what they prepared all year long. This remarkable accomplishment also qualifies them for the state-level competition, where they will perform against some of the best choir programs in Florida.
In the months leading up to MPA, the choir practices relentlessly almost every day, often for nearly 2 hours. The choir director, Miss Shayna Singer, explains, “The students really committed to the process and took the preparation seriously!” She emphasizes that they work on improving their musical and performing skills, from tuning and blending to facial expressions and phrasing. They also develop their stage communication skills to connect with each other during the song.
When the day of the competition finally arrives, the air buzzes with excitement and nerves. All the preparations and hard work come together, making it a special moment for everyone. Ms. Singer reflects, “Watching them walk on stage and perform with confidence was really rewarding. As a teacher, those moments are special because you see all of their hard work come together.” Throughout the performance, the students support each other while focusing on their singing. However, the hardest part is yet to come.
One of the most challenging aspects of the competition is sight-reading. Ms. Singer describes it as, “The most unpredictable part because the students see the music for the first time and have to perform it right away.” She highlights that despite their year-long practice, it can be extremely stressful and high-pressure due to the spontaneous, on-the-spot singing. Yet, the students stay calm and focused on their way to this historic accomplishment.
At the end of the assessment, the judges award North Broward Prep straight superior, the highest honor achievable. This marks a significant milestone for both the students and Ms. Singer, as she is the first director in school history to reach straight superiors in MPA. She remains humble despite this, crediting the students with their achievement. She states, “I’m just proud to be part of a program where the students care so much about making great music together.” This accomplishment reflects both the students’ dedication and the excellent leadership of their director.
Following their success at MPA, the choir now prepares for the State MPA. This event brings together some of the most accomplished and talented students across Florida, and Ms. Singer is ready for the challenge. She shares, “I’m excited for the students to have another opportunity to perform and grow as musicians.” The increased competition level will certainly help the students develop their skills and achieve even more in the future.
