PJC students take part in All-State Choir event

Published or Revised February 23, 2011

Four Paris Junior College choral music students traveled to San Antonio Feb. 9-13 to participate in the Texas Two-Year College All-State Choir at the Texas Music Educators Convention. The 140-voice choir was put together through statewide auditions. The students came from 26 community colleges across Texas. Nationally recognized choral conductor Dr. Eduardo Garcia-Novelli of Carthage College in Wisconsin led the choir. PJC's participating students were Josiah Cooper, Kaitlyn McCormack, Trenton Little and Gloria Cooper, all of Paris. This was the second consecutive year in the choir for the latter three students. They spent 10 hours a day rehearsing and performed to a large crowd at the San Antonio Convention Center. "We were well represented," said music instructor and Choral Director Philip Briggs, "and the students enjoyed a positive experience with Dr. Novelli. They renewed connections with other music students from around the state and made new friends as well. The musical experience was enriching and rewarding. On a personal note, my ability to teach is improved by what I learned from my fellow professionals in San Antonio." The students also were privileged to attend portions of the Texas Music Educator's Association Convention held during the same period of time. The TTCCDA Choir was a featured choir along with other All-State musical organizations. Mr. Briggs also attended meetings of the Texas Two-Year College Choral Director's Association. Guest conductor Dr. Novelli, a native of Argentina, was formerly director of choral activities at Lamar University of Beaumont. Since becoming professor of music and director of choral activities at Carthage, he has toured Europe and the United States as he conducts the Carthage Choir.