Meet Mr. Rice!
Mr. Rice is thrilled to continue his eighth year as director of choirs at MHS! A firm believer that music made together makes the world a better place, Mr. Rice directs a vocal jazz ensemble, two treble ensembles, a mixed concert ensemble, and an annual musical at MHS. He also directs the McKendree University Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
Mr. Rice earned his Bachelor's of Music Education from Webster University, where he graduated as a Presidential Scholar with academic and departmental honors. He earned his Master's of Music Education from the University of Missouri.
Currently serving as ILMEA District 6 Vocal Jazz Co-Chair, Mr. Rice loves making music with others. He was most recently clinician for the ILMEA All-District Vocal Jazz II Ensemble in District 8 and the ILMEA All-District Jr. Vocal Jazz Ensemble in District 6.
Mr. Rice is currently an active performer, singing with the Bach Society of Saint Louis, the No-Name Chorale, and Continuum Vocal Ensemble. He has previously had the opportunity to sing backup for Barry Manilow, Josh Groban, and at the MUNY in Forest Park.
Vocal Jazz is a mixed, auditioned vocal ensemble specializing in vocal jazz, chamber, and contemporary music spanning a variety of periods and styles. Designed for students displaying outstanding vocal technique and musicianship, Vocal Jazz performs regular concerts, participates in district and state festivals, in the community, at sporting events, and at school functions. Performance credits include singing with the Air Force Band of Mid-America, at Powell Symphony Hall and the Touhill in Saint Louis, at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida, at the Illinois Music Education Conference in 2024, and with various area collegiate choirs. In addition to preparing for performances, the ensemble focuses on music theory, music history, sight-reading, and musicianship training. (05111A000)
Treble Choir is an auditioned, advanced treble vocal ensemble specializing in chamber and acapella music. Treble Choir students will develop and refine their skills as both individual vocalists and singers in an SSA(A)+ choral environment. Designed for students displaying excellent vocal technique and musicianship, Treble Choir performs regular concerts, participates in district and state festivals, in the community, and at school functions. In addition to preparing for performances, the ensemble focuses on music theory, music history, sight-reading, and musicianship training. Performance credits include singing with the Air Force Band of Mid-America, at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida, and with various area collegiate choirs. (05110A000)Â
In Concert Choir, students will develop and refine their skills as both individual vocalists and singers in a choral environment. Students will perform a varied repertoire of choral music at regular concerts, district and state festivals, and in the community. This ensemble additionally focuses on topics including (but not limited to) music theory, sight-reading, music history, aural skills/musicianship training, vocal technique, and performance practice. (05110A000)
In Concert Choir Treble, students will develop and refine their skills as both individual vocalists and singers in a treble-voice environment. Students will perform a varied repertoire of choral music at regular concerts. This ensemble additionally focuses on topics including (but not limited to) music theory, sight-reading, music history, aural skills/musicianship training, vocal technique, and performance practice. (05110A000)
Thank you for supporting our fantastic cast, crew, and orchestra!!!