July 14, 2010
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH – Under the direction of Mr. Glenn Brackens, Wiley Middle School Challenge Choir is a travel-based performance group comprised of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students who demonstrate an aptitude for music and the ability to perform at an accelerated level both musically and academically.
 
This audition-only middle school choir has performed at the Apollo Theater in New York City; Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; Channel 3’s Good Company Today; Fox 8 News’ Morning Glory Competition; and the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, home of Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in Atlanta, Georgia.
 
Reflecting the name of the group, each year the choir is challenged to surpass its previous ranking at Music Showcase Festivals, a nationally-based performance competition that judges high school, middle school, and elementary school choirs, orchestras, and ensembles. This spring in Richmond, Virginia, Wiley Challenge Choir stood out as the 1st place winner in every middle school division—Mixed Concert Choir, Gospel Choir, and Show Choir. Also, DeJon SheaRon and Cameron Davis secured Outstanding Soloist awards, and Temple Greenwood on drums won an Outstanding Musician award.
 
Wiley Middle School Challenge Choir’s mission is the 4 E’s:  Embrace and Empower youth through music education and Enhance the knowledge base of students that wish to achieve success through music performance and fine arts, giving our community a legacy of successful Emerging Young Leaders.