Bartlett hosts 19th annual Central Mass. Jr. Show Choir Festival

Bartlett Jr./Sr. High School hosted the 19th annual Central Mass. Junior Show Choir Festival on Saturday, March 24 in the Jacqueline Puliafico Theatre at BHS.

This highly anticipated event never disappoints as the audience spends a wonderful evening of song and dance by exceptional junior high performers.

The schools gather on Friday evening to practice their routines and return for an all day event on Saturday with their efforts culminating in a great evening of entertainment.

The vocal clinician, Becky Bussiere whips up a grand finale spectacular with all students converging on stage to perform two routines they perfected in just one and a half days. Of course, she has the help of hubby Greg "Bubba" Bussiere as choreographer.

This year, six schools converged on Bartlett to participate in the festival. Besides the junior show choir at BHS "New Attitude," also competing were Charlton Middle School’s "Mirage," Dudley Middle School’s "Prestige," Lincoln Middle School’s "Silver City Singers," Tantasqua Regional Jr. High School’s "The Maestros," and Windsor Locks Middle School’s "Power Company." The Bartlett High School Senior Show Choir "Impressions" gave an exhibition performance of their dynamic routine following the competition.

The festival director was Peter Carney of Bartlett Jr./Sr. High School, and coordinator was Leslie Baker with Masters of Ceremonies Nick Arsenault and Andrew Jolda of Arsen Entertainment. Members of the Bartlett Music Boosters worked diligently in the background to keep everything running smoothly.

Adjudicators for the competition were Jen Dowdle, Connie Galli, Johanne McIvor and Becky Bussiere.

It was a "gold" evening for Dudley Middle School’s Prestige. Their outstanding performance earned them Gold and Best in Show. Bartlett Jr. High and Charlton Middle School each earned Silver ratings. Greg Bussiere is the choreographer for all three schools.

Congratulations to all schools on a great 2012 festival and we look forward to next year.