Ballard High School Choir Director Courtney Pelavin was recently awarded the Washington State ACDA Outstanding Young Choral Director award. This honor, which is given to those who have less than 10 years experience in choral directing, recognizes high performance and literature standards in their program.
The ACDA had high praise for Ms. Pelavin in her notification email. “Your contributions to the art of choral music have been impactful, with significant contributions to the choral arena in the greater Seattle area and the state of Washington. We thank you for what you have done and wish to express our appreciation with this award.”
This is Pelavin’s seventh year as the Director of Choirs at BHS. She directs the Concert Choir, Treble Choir, Vocal Jazz, Women’s Chamber Choir, and Men’s Ensemble. Originally from Michigan, she earned a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance and Choral Music Education from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University.
Since Pelavin started in the position, the BHS choirs have grown in number from 36 students to over 120 members. The choirs have also gained superior ratings at both regional and national choral festivals and have received recognition at events such as the 2013 WMEA State Solo Ensemble Contest and the 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Awards.
Congratulations Courtney! Click here to check out more information about the BHS Choir Program.
Photo courtesy of Mary Cropp.
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