PWHS vocalists selected for PMEA District 11 Chorus

Congratulations to Plymouth Whitemarsh High School vocalists Katie Abai, Elijah Borton, and Ace Cratin for being selected for the 2026 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 11 Chorus. 

The students earned their spots through a rigorous audition process, competing against other talented musicians from Bucks and Montgomery counties. On January 8, after a month of preparation, the singers and PWHS choral director Jeffrey Cooper traveled to Hatboro-Horsham High School for the District 11 Chorus festival. 

For two full days, students rehearsed under the direction of Dr. Felicia Barber, a music professor and choral director at Yale University. The experience culminated in a Saturday morning performance featuring a challenging repertoire offering a variety of musical styles and traditions.

Selections ranged from spirituals such as I’m Gonna Sing ’Til the Spirit Moves Me by Moses Hogan to classical works including Ave Maria by R. Nathaniel Dett. Additional pieces included Praise the Lord by Florence Price, My Spirit Sang All Day by Gerald Finzi, TaRaKiTa by Reena Esmail, A Prayer by Ken Burton, How Can I Keep from Singing by Sarah Quartel, Sicut Cervus by Palestrina, Hold Fast to Your Dreams by Joel Thompson, and Dedication by Zanida Robles.

During the festival, students auditioned for PMEA Region 6 Chorus, which will be held in Bensalem in February. Katie Abai and Ace Cratin successfully advanced and will be joining top vocalists from Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties.