MMA Vocalists Shine at State Music Festival

Three MMA high school vocalists attended the Missouri State High School Activities Association State Music Festival on Thursday, April 27. The event was held on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus.

Congratulations to the following cadets for their performances at the festival:

• Lucas Sydlewski, a high school senior cadet from Houlton, Wisconsin, who earned a rating of Exemplary/Gold
• Justyn Daigle, a high school junior cadet from Huntsville, Missouri, who earned a rating of Exemplary/Gold
• Jacob Stallone, a high school freshman from Lima, Ohio, who earned a rating of Outstanding/Silver

To participate in the festival, musicians must select repertoire from a prescribed music list, choosing two classical pieces, contrasting in style. MMA soloists began preparing their songs last fall and devoted time outside of class to practice in order to learn the complex melodies and lyrics, many of which were in foreign languages.

"Participating as a soloist in district and state music festivals is not an easy undertaking. The criteria for entry is strict," said MMA choir director Christina Stout. "Hard work and dedication to their craft paid off in a big way for these three young men, who received top ratings at the state level. I could not be more proud of these cadets for their exceptional accomplishments this festival season."

Sydlewski, Daigle, and Stallon will perform at the MMA Choir Showcase Recital on Monday, May 15 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Chapel on MMA's campus. This event is open to the public and has no admission charge. The recital will be recorded and later shared on the Academy's YouTube channel.

Below, from left to right, Cadets Stallone, Sydlewski, and Daigle on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus on April 27.