Four Sanford High School vocalists represented our community this past week at the ACDA All-Eastern Honor Choir Festival, one of the most elite high school choral events in the eastern United States.
Sponsored by the American Choral Directors Association, the All-Eastern Festival brings together the top student singers from multiple states through a rigorous, competitive audition process. This year, Sanford was proudly represented by Ava Allen, Ariana Young, Jack Van Gieson, and Keaghan Gagnon.
Selected students were placed into advanced honor ensembles led by nationally recognized conductors. The SSAA Choir was conducted by Cindy Ellis of Miami, and the SATB Choir was conducted by Marques L. A. Garrett from the University of North Texas.
For Keaghan Gagnon (Class of 2028), the experience was everything she had hoped for: "The ACDA Festival was a place where I could learn to perform with a large choir, work with world-class conductors, and feel challenged by new music!"
Throughout the festival, students engaged in intensive rehearsals, sectionals, and a culminating concert that showcased a level of artistry typically associated with collegiate and pre-professional ensembles. Beyond the music, the event included meaningful connections among young singers from across the region. As Ava Allen (Class of 2028) reflected, "ACDA was a great learning experience and helped build a community for my new friends and me."
Jack Van Gieson (Class of 2028) was equally moved by the broader perspective the festival offered: "What we do in Sanford is so special — I am so glad I got to work with these other schools and learn from them!"
Acceptance into this festival places these students among the most accomplished young singers in the region, and their Sanford peers can look forward to benefiting from everything they brought back. "I am excited to bring this energy back to Sanford High School!" said Ariana Young (Class of 2029).
Participation in the All-Eastern Honor Choir reflects not only individual excellence but also the continued growth and strength of Sanford High School's choral program. Sanford celebrates these students for representing the school with professionalism, musicianship, and pride at one of the most prestigious choral festivals in the country.