Richfield Choir Invited to Perform at the MMEA Midwinter Conference

Congratulations to Richfield Public Schools’ choir students on an exciting and well-deserved honor. The district’s choir program has been invited to perform at this year’s Minnesota Music Education Association (MMEA) Midwinter Conference, a statewide celebration of music education that brings together performers, educators and industry professionals from across Minnesota.

Each year, only a select number of school ensembles are chosen to perform at the conference, making the invitation a meaningful recognition of both musical excellence and student dedication. Choir director Eugene Sandel said the selection speaks directly to the hard work and talent of Richfield’s singers. “To be chosen for a performance at MMEA is a very high honor,” Sandel said. “It reflects a high level of work and artistry and demonstrates that your group has worked hard to get where they are today.”

Earning a spot at the conference is no small feat. School programs must submit a detailed application that includes written reflections on student learning and video recordings of recent performances. Sandel shared that Richfield’s submission featured selections from last year’s pops concerts and noted that this is the first time in district history that the choir program has been invited to perform at the MMEA Midwinter Conference.

“Our students are absolutely incredible,” said Sandel. “They work hard, they are dedicated, they care deeply for one another, and they make sure to show up as their best selves each day. Richfield should be proud because our students are a reflection of the community as a whole, and we are so lucky that our community is represented by students like these.”

For students, the experience is especially meaningful. Sandel considers an invitation to perform at the Midwinter Conference a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The invitation serves as a powerful affirmation of the growth students have achieved together over time, particularly for those who have been part of the program for several years.

“This is the equivalent of going to state for a sport, but for choir,” said high school junior Ava Strycharske. “You get to sing in front of professionals in the field and get to put more work into something you like doing.”

When asked what they liked about choir, senior Anna Garey shared, “Being able to perform important pieces that showcase the world and time [we are living in], and the power that your voice can bring through song, not just through words. A song has so much more impact and meaning than just a couple of sentences, and bringing them to music is very impactful.”

The honor also reflects the continued strength and momentum of Richfield’s music program as a whole. Choir enrollment has grown beyond pre-pandemic levels, and students are building musical skills while forming strong connections with one another. Rehearsals are filled with energy, focus and a shared commitment to making great music together.

“To be able to be a part of this program and watch it grow and flourish over the years, and be able to take part in something as big as this, is such a beautiful high point,” said Sandel.

Students’ reactions to the news were a mix of surprise and excitement. Some wondered why they were chosen, a moment Sandel says helped them realize just how much their sound and confidence have grown. Preparation for the conference has brought an extra spark to rehearsals, with students polishing familiar pieces, learning new repertoire and embracing the “good kind of pressure” that comes with a big public performance.

Beyond the music, Sandel hopes students take away a deep sense of pride. Seeing the program recognized on a statewide stage sends a powerful message that their work matters and that they have truly earned this moment.

“I hope that all of the students can see that what they do matters,” said Sandel. “I hope they take immense pride and joy in being able to have been a part of this experience and walk forward with their heads held high. I want students to think to themselves, 'We did that, and we earned it. Now let's see what else we can do.'”

The Richfield community is invited to celebrate alongside the students by attending the performances. Both performances will take place at Buffalo High School, located at 877 Bison Blvd in Buffalo, Minnesota. Community members are encouraged to come out and support these talented students as they proudly represent Richfield on a statewide stage.

Richfield Middle School students will perform on Thursday, February 12, at 11:45 a.m. 

Richfield High School students will perform on Friday, February 13, at 11 a.m.