Last week, Dwyer Middle School hosted the Southern California Vocal Association (SCVA) Choral Festival for the third time, welcoming three visiting schools, seven performing choirs, and three professional adjudicators to our campus. Joining us were Corona del Mar Middle School, Ball Junior High School, and Vista Heights Middle School.

Each choral group performed two to three selections before a panel of adjudicators and completed a sight-reading performance, evaluated on tone, musicality, accuracy, blend, intonation, diction, balance, and presentation, and awarded a rating of Superior, Excellent, Good, or Participant.

Both of Dwyer’s choirs performed with distinction at the SCVA festival. Concert Choir earned an Excellent rating, along with a Superior in sight-reading. Vocal Ensemble received Unanimous Superior ratings in both performance and sight-reading, marking their tenth consecutive year achieving this honor.

Throughout the season, Ripple Effect consistently placed on the podium across multiple competitions, reflecting their continued growth and strength in performance.

Most recently, Dwyer Chorale (Vocal Ensemble & Ripple Effect) returned from the Festival of Gold with the highest ratings in program history, earning an overall average of 95.67 out of 100. These achievements are a testament to the students’ discipline, growth, and commitment to excellence.

What made this year's festival especially meaningful goes beyond the ratings. When adjudicators Greg Ellis and Karen Bluel personally requested to return after their previous experiences at Dwyer, and when all three participating schools sought out our campus to be part of the program and community we have built here, it's a reflection of something this district has worked hard to cultivate, a culture where the arts are valued, where educators are empowered to pursue their passions, and where learners are inspired to grow.

In addition to the performers, the festival welcomed families from each visiting school, giving our community the chance to showcase not just our students, but the warmth and hospitality that define Dwyer and HBCSD. 

"There's something special about opening our doors and having other schools here," said Dwyer Band and Choir Director Mr. Neil Reyes. "It tells me that what we're building at Dwyer, the culture, the music, the sense of belonging- is something people can feel when they walk in, and that means everything to me as an educator."

We are honored to host this event and incredibly proud of our students, staff, and the community that makes it all possible.