Congratulations to McAuley senior Samantha Dedian, whose vocal talent has propelled her to become a member of Maine’s All-State Chorus group.

Dedian was selected after an extensive audition process involving hundreds of students from across the state.  She is now part of an elite group of 250 celebrated for their skills in singing a musical scale, presenting an excerpt from an Italian aria, sight reading, and understanding the dynamics of tone, musicianship, pitch, rhythm, and vocal technique.

The All-State Chorus group will be featured in a performance at the UMO Center for the Performing Arts in May 2010.

Join the McAuley Limelighters as they perform the comedy:

The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of Macbeth

When an all-women’s theater group performs an “original” production of Macbeth for adjudication for the country’s community theater competition, everything that can go wrong … does.

Show times are Friday, November 20, at 7:00 PM and Saturday, November 21, at 2:30 and 7:00 PM.

The cost is $5/person and tickets are only available at the door.

Please call 797-3802 FMI, or email Lynne Erkkinen, Director, at lerkkinen@mcauleyhs.org.

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent McAuley in this year’s District Chorus group:  Rebecca Tanous ‘10, Samantha Dedian ‘10, Tabitha Dupuis ‘11, Elizabeth McGarvey ‘11, Alyssa Hodgdon ‘13, Tori Avella ‘13, and Katie Neault ‘13.

District Chorus is an annual tradition that unites some of the most talented vocalists and musicians in the area.  In order to be considered for District Chorus, each student must participate in an audition process that includes singing a musical scale, an excerpt of an Italian aria, and some additional lines of sight reading.  Tone, musicianship, pitch, rhythm, and vocal technique are important components of the selection process.

The seven McAuley students chosen for this honor will be part of a performance at Harrison Middle School in Yarmouth on Saturday, February 6 at 3:00 pm. All are invited to attend the concert in support of our talented young women.

Four McAuley theater students have extended their talents beyond the School’s stage by being cast in local community theater productions.  Each competed against many of the greater Portland area’s top theater students for their roles.

Sam Dedian, a senior, will star as Sharpay in the Lyric Theater production of High School Musical, which opens this month with a three-week run.

Grace Fosler, also a senior, recently finished performing as Janet / ensemble member in the Portland Players production of The Rocky Horror Show, a cult and fan favorite that opened on Halloween weekend.

Brittany Kopec and Danielle Nickless, both freshmen, recently performed as leads in the Studio 48 production of High School Musical at the Chocolate Church in Bath.

McAuley continues to be a proud supporter of the arts and the students who choose to participate in them!

Come and share in the beauty and appreciation of music as McAuley’s very own Chamber Chorale sings to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The benefit concert, which will take place on Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 pm, will be held at the First Universalist Church of Yarmouth, 97 Main Street.  McAuley will join other area high school choral groups in an effort to raise money for the Foundation’s continued mission of providing hope, strength, and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

The concert is free and open to the public, with donations accepted and appreciated.

Consider supporting our young women in this very worthwhile endeavor.

Hats off to the McAuley Limelighters for being recognized as the Class B Runner-Up in the 2009 Regional One-Act Competition Festival!

Held at South Portland High School on March 7, the troupe presented Alice! A Childish Story Take, a contemporary twist on Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, under the leadership of Drama Director Lynne Erkkinen.

In addition to walking away with the Runner-Up title, the Limelighters received special awards in four separate categories for their stellar work.

Anna Weltin ‘09 and Samantha Dedian ‘10 received distinction as the Competition’s “All Festival Cast” winners, representing strength in acting among the participants as a whole.  Senior Beth McAllister was recognized as the group’s “Best Supporting Actress,” while Cassandra Donatelli ‘09 and Courtney Libby ‘10 were celebrated for their attention to artistic detail in set design.  Two choreography awards were also given to the Limelighters — one to seniors Anna Devoe and Macauley Kenney, and the other to junior Staci Clarke.

Congratulations, ladies, on your extraordinary talent and artistry on the stage!