The Arizona Association FFA Chorus
We all know that FFA members can run their own businesses, give knock-out speeches, and solve problems in their schools and communities. But did you know that many of them can sing too?
The 2011-2012 school year marked the launch of the Arizona FFA Chorus, but they had already performed seven times at the State Leadership Conference in June 2011, as well as for the Association of Career and Technical Education Conference of Arizona in July 2011. Directed by Dr. Dee Wilkins, the chorus boasts 24 members with room for more.
Participation in this elite ensemble is limited. Those interested in participating in the chorus must participate in a vocal interview with the chorus director and/or audition for AMEA regionals through your high school choir (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED). Vocal interviews will be conducted at the Mid Winter and Spring Conferences or by appointment. Thos who successfully participate in the Arizona FFA Chorus also qualify for consideration of an AZ FFA scholarship following graduation.
For more information, contact Dr. Wilkins at chorus@azffa.org.
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A little more about our chorus director...
Dr. Dee Wilkins is no stranger to FFA. While he officially began his FFA experiences as a freshman in high school, his exposure to the organization began much sooner than that. Every member of Dr. Wilkins family (Dad, Mom and five children) participated in FFA, with four members of the family serving as Arizona FFA State Officers and his father serving as Willcox’s FFA chapter advisor. The worlds of FFA and choir came together for Dr. Wilkins during his participation in the National FFA Chorus.
Dr. Wilkins comes to the position of Director of the Arizona FFA Chorus after years of experience both conducting and participating in choirs and musical productions.
Dr. Wilkins has recently completed his Doctorate of Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Northern Colorado. Prior to his Doctoral work in Colorado, Dr. Wilkins obtained a Bachlor's of Music in Choral Education and a Masters of Music Teaching from Northern Arizona University. He also was the Choir Director at Safford High School for five years where, during his tenure, the Choral program quadrupled in size and achieved consistent Superior ratings at choral festivals across the state.