Montgomery High School’s Heather Orr is the recipient of the 2023 Texas Choral Director’s Association Choral Excellence Award. The award was presented last month at the organization’s summer convention. TCDA’s mission is to promote the art and artistry of choral singing and the pursuit of excellence within the choral music profession. The Choral Excellence Award is based on the recipient’s contribution to choral music in Texas, mentorship and inspiration to colleagues and students, and continued advocacy for the future of choral singing in our state. Orr was one of only two award recipients statewide.
The award caps off a banner 2022-23 year for Ms. Orr and the Montgomery High School Choir Program. Highlights include the Montgomery Madrigals receiving top honors at the Kemah Choral Competition last fall. In February, the MHS A Capella Women took 1st place in the Treble Elite division at the North Texas Madrigal Festival. The Madrigals made history in March, placing first at the 52nd Annual Madrigal Festival in San Antonio. With 44 Madrigal choirs competing, the Madrigals were the first 5A Choir to win the competition in its 52-year history. In June, four MHS students were named Outstanding Performer, the top recognition at the 2023 UIL State Solo-Ensemble Contest. Finally, the MHS Madrigal Choir traveled to Canada this summer, performing at the Pro Musica International Choral Festival in Kingston, Ontario.
“Heather is one of the finest choir directors I have ever worked with,” Montgomery High School Principal Noah Hollander said. “In addition to her many accomplishments, she loves to share her passion for music with her students and is a wonderful mentor to music educators across the state. Our scholars are fortunate to be part of the incredible program she has built at Montgomery High School.”
Orr has been a high school choir director for nearly three decades and is set to begin her 23rd year leading the choirs at Montgomery High School.
“Receiving the Choral Excellence Award was a wonderful surprise,” Orr said “ I am honored to be recognized by such an incredible organization and delighted to receive this prestigious award. It is such a privilege to do this work every day and I share this award with the remarkably talented students who lend their voices to our choir programs at MHS.”
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