The Mercyaires will soon compete at the District Solo and Ensemble Festival at Howell High School. Soloists, duets, trios, choirs and more sing for judges and have the chance to move on to the State Competition in March. The Meryaires have competed at Districts and States for as long as they can remember. However, this year Glee will perform at the District Competition this year.

“The Mercyaires and Glee are going as full choirs,” said senior Phil Engel. “Alana O’ Donnell and Kylie Kreucher are doing a duet and I’m going as a soloist.”

At the District Festival, groups sing two different pieces. One of these is usually in a foreign language. Performers are tested on sight reading in addition to singing, and then given feedback for improvement. The Meryaires will be singing “Psalm of Hope” by Andrea Ramsey and “Praise His Holy Name” by Keith Hampton.

“We’re definitely hoping to go to States,” said Engel. “I think mostly we’re hoping to do better than we did last year, so we’re competing against ourselves.”

Other upcoming Mercyaires events include the District Choral Festival, Spring Concert and a swing dance with live music hosted by the Music Dept. in April.

“I like being in Merycaires because of the sisterhood,” senior Kristen Edwards said. “Throughout the year we’ve all become wonderful friends and I love that about this group.”