A talented group of Paint Branch performers recently traveled to “Hot-lanta,” Georgia to compete in the Festival of Music Competition. During their April visit, Paint Branch “showed out” as they earned first place in all competition categories.

The performing groups consisted of Symphonic Band, String Orchestra, Jazz Singers, and Women’s Jazz and Concert Chorus. According to Music Department Chair and Vocal Music Director Mrs. Christine Mitchell, who coordinated the trip along with Instrumental Music Director Mr. Sean Kirchoff, and volunteers who chaperoned the trip, “The highest score of the competition was in Vocal Music, which earned a Superior Rating.” Mrs. Mitchell also noted that Nhi Le earned a solo award as the top student accompanist, and Victoria Kral earned an award as top solo vocalist.

In addition to their successful performances, the entire musical department contingent won, in Mrs. Mitchell’s words, the most “highly coveted award” at the competition: the d’Esprit de CORPS. This French title translates to “spirit of body.” The award is held in such high-esteem, noted Mrs. Mitchell, because it’s given only on rare occasions when a group expresses and exhibits extremely high levels of professionalism, while simultaneously being courteous and well-mannered.

In addition to their fine work at the competition, the group also managed some time to visit Atlanta. They visited the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, the Georgia Aquarium, The World of Coca-Cola, Six Flags over Georgia, and took in Broadway’s touring production of The Lion King at the historic Fox Theatre.