Raymore-Peculiar High School (Missouri) - Choir Department

Choir Department

The Raymore-Peculiar High School Choir Department is known to be one of the best in the state. They have a total of 5 choirs; Men's, Women's, Mixed, Concert Chorus, and RPHS Chamber Singer's. Under the Direction of Stephen Ford Orr from 1976–2002, the Choir took home over 100 Superior ratings at choir contest between the four choir's that competed. Chamber's Singer's and Concert Chorus has taken home 21 first place awards in various competitions, and has performed at the ACDA Conference 3 times, and at the All-State Festival 4 times. Both the Chamber and Concert choirs have traveled to Europe to perform, and were invited to sing at the Anniversary of Jamestown in Virginia. In October 2002, Stephen Orr died of cancer, and the program was halted. The news of his death sent shock waves through the music department's across the state. Stephen Orr was one of the most well known choir director's in the state. The future of the Ray-Pec Choir program was uncertain. Noel Folkerson, a retired choir director from Raytown South High School was asked to fill in for the rest of the School year until a new Director was selected. That year all four choirs performed supremely well at contest, earning them 1 ratings across the board. The program sent 23 singer's to the All District Choir, sending more than any other school, and three of their singers were selected for the All-State Choir. The school also sent 19 different ensembles, and soloist's to the State Music Competition in Columbia Missouri. Under the Direction of Noel Folkerson, and Randy Humbird in his third term as Choir President, it was one of Raymore-Peculiar's most successful years. In late 2003 Roxanne Martin was named the new Head of the Choir Department. The department continues to be one of the top departments in Missouri.