Taking Note of Shades Valley's Choir

SVHS Choir, Alabama Veterans Memorial ParkUnder the direction of Choral Director, Gia Graddy, the Shades Valley High School Choir continues to be a pacesetter in Jefferson County.

From her arrival in 2008, Ms. Graddy made clear her goals and objectives for the choir; the key word was excellence.  Accepting her challenge, the students worked hard and very quickly saw results.

In 2008, the choir received a superior rating at the District Music Festival–an outstanding accomplishment, especially considering all the choirs in Jefferson County, Birmingham, Hoover and surrounding areas that participate.  And they repeated this accomplishment in 2009.

SV Choir students represented well at the All-City County Christmas Music Festival at the Boutwell Auditorium in 2008 and in 2009.  Also in both years, these gifted students participated in the Honors Choir at the University of Montevallo, where they received instruction by very accomplished college professors.

In 2009, the Shades Valley Choir placed first in a very challenging event in Gatlinburg, Tennessee called The Smoky Mountain Festival.  And student tenor, Will Travis, received the Outstanding Soloist Award!  Finally, several Shades Valley Choir students auditioned and were selected for the All State Choir, the highest honor in the state.

SVHS Choir members on "Nerd Day" during Homecoming Week

Of course, these talented, fun loving students aren’t done yet! Stay tuned here for more news about these students’ activities.