Mar. 24, 2025 -- The 56 students that make up the Heights High A Cappella Choir received a Superior rating at the Ohio Music Educators Association (OMEA) District Large Group Adjudicated Event on March 15 at Mentor High School.

The group performed three pieces in the most demanding category, Class AA, which has the most challenging repertoire to choose from and the most difficult sight singing selections. The A Cappella Choir scored mostly 1’s and only one 2 from all the judges for performance and sign singing.

The song selections performed by the A Cappella Choir were: Entreat Me Not To Leave You by Dan Forrest, O Quam Amabilis by Pierre Villette, and If I Had a Hammer by Craig Hella Johnson.

Because of their Superior performance, the Heights High A Cappella Choir is invited to perform at the OMEA State Competition in May. At the state competition, the ensemble will perform Measure me, Sky! By Elaine Hagenberg in addition to O Quam Amabilis and If I Had a Hammer.

“The OMEA's Large Group Adjudicated Event is the backbone of what we teach in Cleveland Heights High School's Vocal Music Department.” said Jesse Lange, Heights High Vocal Music Director. “It allows our students to be challenged to perform the most challenging music for a panel of discerning adjudicators. I am rejuvenated as an instructor and an artist after our successful showing.”

This is the second year in a row that a Heights High group is invited to the state competition. Before last year, a group had not been invited to the state competition since 2019.

“I am heartened that the choir has been consistently achieving at the district level and I look forward to the challenge ahead at states,” shared Mr. Lange “The students represented our district and community with professionalism, poise, and artistry. I couldn't be prouder.”