This year, Choral Director Avonlea Armstrong-Green decided to enter the St. James-Assiniboia Senior Divisional Choir, as well as the Sturgeon Heights Vocal Jazz Group called “In the Heights,” into the National Class.
       “This was our first time entering a National Class and I had no idea what to expect,” said director and teacher Armstrong-Green. “It’s a bit funny the way it works because after your initial performance, you don’t actually sing at the Provincial and National Level, just your recordings are used.”
      For the National category, a recording of each choir’s performance is recorded at the Winnipeg Music Festival and if recommended, this recording can be submitted forward to the Provincial and National level. Both SJASD choirs were recommended to the Provincial Music and Arts Festival, and then further selected to move on to the National Festival. At the 2017 National Music Festival, the two choirs earned second place in their respective categories as seen below:
St. James-Assiniboia Senior Divisional Choir - 2nd Place in Class 102, George S. Mathieson for a community choir 19 years of age and under
Collège Sturgeon Heights Collegiate Choir “In the Heights” - 2nd Place in Class 103, Paul J. Bourret for a School Choir 19 years of age and under 
       Armstrong-Green says her students work exceptionally hard for every performance and that the recognition at the Provincial and National level is “a feather in their caps, but not the reason they work so hard."
       Choir member Emma L. says it was nice to hear they got second place but singing is what it’s about. She mentioned how the memories involved, the friends and building their skills matter more than the accolades.
     “The community of our vocal jazz group last year really contributed to our successes,” said Caleb R., a member of both choirs. ”We were all friends and it was a great environment to learn and grow in.”
      Armstrong-Green expresses how her students are dedicated singers who allow her to push and challenge them all year long. Congratulations to both choirs on their successes in the National Class and we anticipate many more great performances in the year ahead. Pictured in the top right corner is a group of “In the Heights” members and pictured to the right is the St. James-Assinibioa Senior Divisional Choir. Amazing job by all!