Matthew Snyder, a junior at Rancho Cucamonga High School, earned a perfect score for the SCVA (Southern California Vocal Association) honor choir audition. At the audition, he performed an Italian aria for 2 judges and was tested on vocal range, tonal memory, scales, and sight-reading. High schoolers audition from dozens of schools all around Southern California, and only about one third are accepted into the program and placed into three different choirs. RCHS choir director, Kelly Squires said, “That is almost unheard of”.
Next, SCVA sent their newly accepted singers 6 challenging choral pieces. They were required to learn their vocal part on their own and be prepared to sing in an octet at the beginning of the 3 day honor choir event, or they would be removed from the program. Because of a delay in the delivery of his music, Matt had only about 10 days to prepare. Not only did he pass his octet test, he was awarded a solo part by the guest conductor, Dr. Trey Davis, a professor from LSU. The concert was held in the historic Memorial Chapel on the campus of the University of Redlands on November 17.
But it doesn’t end there. The top scorers over the entire state are then invited to participate in the CCDA (California Choral Directors Association) All-State honor choir which is held in March at San Jose State University. That is another three day event. Matt is currently preparing for it and that concert will take place on March 16, 2019 in the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph.
Matthew Snyder is the first person from his high school to ever be invited to the All State honor choir, and was recognized in January as a student of the month for his achievement. He prepared for about a month for the audition, but credits his success from his background in piano, saxophone, OCMCO children’s choir, and musicals. He is currently the Tenor section leader and treasurer for the RCHS Chambers choir. He is also a member of National Honor Society, an Eagle Scout, carries an A average in his honor/AP classes, treasurer for STEM club, and works as tutor at Kumon. In his free time, he enjoys airsoft and biking.
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