Whisman, Lee represent Purdy on All-State stage
February 26, 2020
Purdy High School Vocalist Shana Whisman represented her district, school and community at the 2020 Missouri All-State Choir, presented by Missouri Choral Directors Association, at Lake of the Ozarks. Whisman and Purdy Vocal Music Department Head Lauren Lee traveled to Margaritaville Resort (formerly Tan-Tar-A Resort), where they attended seminars and concerts and Whisman participated in a grueling three-day schedule of rehearsals that culminated in an afternoon performance on Saturday, January 25.
Whisman joined 191 of the state’s premiere vocalists to perform seven pieces, including a stirring rendition of America the Beautiful; We Remember Them, a somber and reflective work written by Susan LaBarr, wife of Missouri State University Director of Choral Studies Cameron LaBarr; and the rousing I Sing Because I’m Happy, which brought the audience to its feet at the conclusion of the concert.
The 2020 Missouri All-State Choir rehearsed and performed under the direction of Jason Max Ferdinand. A native of Trinidad & Tobago, Ferdinand serves as Full Professor, Chair of the Music Department and Director of Choral Activities at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, where he conducts the Aeolians of Oakwood University. Ferdinand received the “Most Outstanding Director” award at the International Musical Festival in Wales, UK, in 2017. His Aeolians ensemble was named 2017 Choir of the World. Ferdinand was named 2017 Teacher of the Year at Oakwood University.
Of her time at the All-State Choir festival and her experience under the conductorship of Ferdinand, Whisman noted, “I've never seen or felt anything in my life like I did during State. I felt at home, like I'd been searching for something my entire life and I finally found it. It was the most amazing feeling in the whole world, and even though I was exhausted, I would take the exhaustion every day of my life if it meant I got to sing with those incredible people every day.”
Lauren Lee is no stranger to the All-State Choir experience. During her 15 years of service at Purdy Schools, she has mentored five vocalists who graced the All-State stage, three of whom made the trip for two consecutive years, totaling eight years that Lee and her students have represented Purdy Schools in the elite Choir. Lee observed of this year’s concert, “I was blown away by the 2020 Missouri All-State Choir. The music was superb, breathtaking and glorious. The thought put into each and every note and word was stunning. I was blessed to have witnessed such an extraordinary performance. Brava!”
Whisman credits Lee with her growth as both a vocalist and a person over the past four years. “Mrs. Lee is the reason I got to experience All-State Choir. After a couple of pretty intense setbacks as a sophomore and junior I was really discouraged. I seriously considered giving up on singing, but Mrs. Lee would not allow it. She encouraged, instructed and ordered me to continue. I sing in large part because of her.”
After graduating from Purdy High School this May, Whisman plans to continue performing at the college level, while pursuing a degree in Music Education. She intends to follow in her mentor’s footsteps, changing the world by teaching music. Whisman is the daughter of Shane Whisman, of Purdy, and Denise Hembree, of Granby.
Purdy High School Vocalist Shana Whisman represented her district, school and community at the 2020 Missouri All-State Choir, presented by Missouri Choral Directors Association, at Lake of the Ozarks. Whisman and Purdy Vocal Music Department Head Lauren Lee traveled to Margaritaville Resort (formerly Tan-Tar-A Resort), where they attended seminars and concerts and Whisman participated in a grueling three-day schedule of rehearsals that culminated in an afternoon performance on Saturday, January 25.
Whisman joined 191 of the state’s premiere vocalists to perform seven pieces, including a stirring rendition of America the Beautiful; We Remember Them, a somber and reflective work written by Susan LaBarr, wife of Missouri State University Director of Choral Studies Cameron LaBarr; and the rousing I Sing Because I’m Happy, which brought the audience to its feet at the conclusion of the concert.
The 2020 Missouri All-State Choir rehearsed and performed under the direction of Jason Max Ferdinand. A native of Trinidad & Tobago, Ferdinand serves as Full Professor, Chair of the Music Department and Director of Choral Activities at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, where he conducts the Aeolians of Oakwood University. Ferdinand received the “Most Outstanding Director” award at the International Musical Festival in Wales, UK, in 2017. His Aeolians ensemble was named 2017 Choir of the World. Ferdinand was named 2017 Teacher of the Year at Oakwood University.
Of her time at the All-State Choir festival and her experience under the conductorship of Ferdinand, Whisman noted, “I've never seen or felt anything in my life like I did during State. I felt at home, like I'd been searching for something my entire life and I finally found it. It was the most amazing feeling in the whole world, and even though I was exhausted, I would take the exhaustion every day of my life if it meant I got to sing with those incredible people every day.”
Lauren Lee is no stranger to the All-State Choir experience. During her 15 years of service at Purdy Schools, she has mentored five vocalists who graced the All-State stage, three of whom made the trip for two consecutive years, totaling eight years that Lee and her students have represented Purdy Schools in the elite Choir. Lee observed of this year’s concert, “I was blown away by the 2020 Missouri All-State Choir. The music was superb, breathtaking and glorious. The thought put into each and every note and word was stunning. I was blessed to have witnessed such an extraordinary performance. Brava!”
Whisman credits Lee with her growth as both a vocalist and a person over the past four years. “Mrs. Lee is the reason I got to experience All-State Choir. After a couple of pretty intense setbacks as a sophomore and junior I was really discouraged. I seriously considered giving up on singing, but Mrs. Lee would not allow it. She encouraged, instructed and ordered me to continue. I sing in large part because of her.”
After graduating from Purdy High School this May, Whisman plans to continue performing at the college level, while pursuing a degree in Music Education. She intends to follow in her mentor’s footsteps, changing the world by teaching music. Whisman is the daughter of Shane Whisman, of Purdy, and Denise Hembree, of Granby.