Finding time to truly enjoy the holiday season can be difficult in this day and age. With countless after school activities, Christmas parties, and end-of-semester midterms coming up, listening to live choral Christmas music might be the last thing on a student’s plans of things to do. However, this past Sunday December 8th, the Lourdes Singers shined at the 38th Annual Merrick Festival Caroling Competition on Miracle Mile, placing 2nd for the Senior Full- Choir category.
The Merrick Festival Caroling Competition has been hosted in Coral Gables for almost 4 decades, and allows both middle and high schools the chance to compete for almost $20,000 in cash prizes. Distinct categories allow for Magnet Schools, Full Choirs, Small Ensembles, and Show Choirs to sing their unique set of carols throughout the week of December 4th-8th.
Grants from the City of Coral Gables Cultural Development Board have sponsored the competition since 1987, raising over $600,000 to support music and choral programs at schools all across Miami, making it a significant fundraiser for music and choral educational programs. This year, each school who competed automatically received $250 for their performance.
Weekday shows performed from 7-10pm and schools that signed up for weekend performances went on from 3-6pm. Reputable magnet schools, like New World School of the Arts, and Coral Reef Senior High School, showcased their songs on Tuesday, December 5th and Saturday, December 7th, in hopes of winning the grand prize again.
The judges are all professional or semi-professional musicians who have studied either vocal or instrumental music. Among the 10 adjudicators that judge each school, there are several music educators, theater and opera performers, choral directors, jazz musicians, and accomplished pianists. This results in accurate placement and ranking. In addition to earning a title and competition prizes, each school receives helpful and accurate feedback from all the judges so that they know what needs to be improved. Factors like pronunciation, volume, timing, and dynamics are shared with music directors and students the week following the Caroling Competition.
After winning the Grand Prize for the Senior Full Choir category in 2023, the Lourdes Singers choir earned the title “1st runner up” and took home $500 to support the school’s music department. They worked immensely hard to earn their spot on the podium. Students rehearsal for hours after school, the week of the show so that Mrs. Garcia-Bode could implement dynamics and ensure that the singers had their music memorized.
The awards show on Tuesday, December 10th presented all of the winning schools for a grand public performance. Hot cocoa, cookies, and other sweets were available for purchase from the Coral Gables Senior High School Interact Club, with money used as a fundraiser for community service and outreach programs through the club.
It was a wonderful week for all who participated and allowed students to let their hard work shine. To learn more about how to see next year’s performance, view the winners from previous years, or read more about their mission as an organization, visit www.carolingcompetition.org.
