The school’s choral program reached a major milestone this spring as both the Show Choir and Treble Choir earned top recognition at the Music in the Parks Festival on May 2, 2026, at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA..

Competing against more than 20 school ensembles from across the Bay Area, the choirs demonstrated exceptional musical skill, dedication, and teamwork. After a full day of performances and adjudication, the Show Choir was awarded Best Overall Elementary Choir, while both ensembles received an “Excellent” rating from professional choral judges and first place in their respective categories.

The competition began with performances at Vanden High School, where each choir presented two contrasting pieces and a prepared warm-up for evaluation. Show Choir performed Et in Terra Pax (“Peace on Earth”) by Greg Gilpin and Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Bun by Andy Beck. Treble Choir performed Hashivenu (“Return Us”) by Ruth Morris Gray and Memories by Andy Beck and Maroon 5.

According to choir director Mrs. Samantha Abouav, this year’s repertoire was among the most challenging music the students have tackled. Both choirs performed pieces in foreign languages and sang in three-part harmony, requiring mastery of unfamiliar pronunciations, complex rhythms, intricate harmonies, and expressive musicality. Beyond simply learning the notes, students were challenged to understand and connect emotionally with lyrics written in languages other than their own. Treble Choir’s performance of Hashivenu earned particularly strong marks from judges for its expressive interpretation of the Hebrew text, demonstrating a level of artistry well beyond technical accuracy.

Another distinctive feature of the ACDS choral program is its collaboration with accompanist and band director Mr. Timothy Ford. This partnership gives singers the opportunity to develop musicianship in a true ensemble setting, learning to listen, respond, and perform collaboratively with another musician in real time.

The experience also mirrors what students would encounter in advanced choral programs and professional performance settings. Throughout the year, Mr. Ford and the choirs worked together to prepare competition repertoire, creating a rich musical partnership that contributed to the ensembles' polished performances. The result is a more authentic and engaging musical experience—one that helps students grow not only as singers, but also as well-rounded musicians.

Music in the Parks uses a rigorous adjudication system. Judges evaluate ensembles in categories including tone quality, intonation, diction, note accuracy, rhythmic precision, and musicality. Both choirs earned scores of 8.0 or higher in every category from both judges. The Show Choir received nine scores of 9.0—known as a Superior-level mark—helping them achieve the highest choir score of the day and earn the title of Best Overall Elementary Choir. 

Receiving an “Excellent” rating is a significant accomplishment in the choral world. It signifies a polished and artistic performance with strong musical fundamentals.

Students say the recognition reflects the growth of the entire music program.

“The ‘Excellent’ rating and first place show how the whole music program has grown. We have come a long way. We started in 5th grade singing at Disneyland, and I had no idea we would just come here to Six Flags and do this. That’s amazing.” — Jules Butler, Class of 2027

Beyond trophies and awards, choir members say the program offers something even more meaningful: a strong sense of belonging.

“Choir fills a place in your heart you didn’t know was empty.” — Jeannie Pretre, Class of 2027

The choir program continues to welcome new singers each year. Students learn vocal technique, teamwork, musicianship, performance skills, and confidence while working toward exciting opportunities such as festivals, theme park performances, and special school events.

Whether students have years of singing experience or are stepping onto the risers for the first time, choir offers a place to grow, connect with others, and be part of something bigger than themselves. As this year’s competition results demonstrate, hard work, commitment, and collaboration can lead to extraordinary success.

With the program continuing to expand and future performances already on the horizon, the school’s choirs are proving that excellence is built one rehearsal--and one voice--at a time.

Watch the concert here.