If there is one thing the Millbrook Madrigals know, it is that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! This year, their cheer will be shared not only with Millbrook, but with the rest of the Research Triangle area. Last week, the advanced choir won first place with more than half the votes in Mix 101.5 WRAL-FM’s Christmas Choir Competition. For their outstanding performance of “Here We Come A Caroling” they will be rewarded with a $5000 prize. Coming in behind the Madrigals was Apex Friendship High School, who came in second place, and Fuquay-Varina High School, who came in third.

 The Christmas Choir Competition is an annual event that high schools from ten counties throughout North Carolina are eligible to participate in. Each choir submits an audio recording of the choir jamming out to their favorite holiday tune. Making the win even more impressive, the recording must be no more than two minutes, encapsulating as much talent, skill, and holiday spirit as possible. The Madrigals were most definitely a stand out among the other submissions. Alto section leader Lauren Stiller commented, “Our most consistent style, or ‘typical Mads’ songs, are classical songs. We chose to stay true to this style, and at first, we thought that it would hurt our chances to get first, because in past years the winners have been choirs that do pop style covers, but we did our song anyway. The other two finalist choirs sounded amazing, but I’m glad Mads stayed true to our sound because it totally paid off!” No doubt the Madrigals brought their A-game, and because of their hard earned victory, the rest of the Triangle will be able to enjoy their incredible music as much as Millbrook has.

 Needless to say, all those involved in the choir program are overjoyed and looking forward to putting the prize money towards continuing to better the program. The choir is especially thankful to their incredible director, Mr. Adams, who shares a special love for both music and Millbrook that allows the choirs at all levels to excel. About the win, Mr. Adams said, “It was more about how the process improved us then getting a perfect recording.” Above all else, the Madrigals are thankful to the student body for their support throughout this process. Junior Waverly Noble added, “The love and support that everyone showed us during the whole process was wild. We had people voting from all the way in Scotland, Japan, and Argentina!” So make sure to congratulate both Mr. Adams and the Madrigals!