CCS Choral Ensemble Sweeps Top Awards at WorldStrides Heritage Festival in Seattle

The Chattanooga Christian School Choral Ensemble returned from Seattle, Washington, with top honors after an exceptional performance at the WorldStrides Heritage Festival, earning awards in every major competition category and national recognition for both musical excellence and character.

The ensemble received a Gold Rating, Best in Class and Best Overall honors, completing a sweep of the festival’s highest awards. The group also earned the Spirit Award, which recognizes outstanding behavior, professionalism and teamwork throughout the event, especially in the face of challenges and setbacks.

CCS student Trent Guess also received the Ovation Award, recognizing him as the top-performing student musician at the competition.

“I’ve never been more proud of a group of students in my life,” CCS Upper School Choral Director Christa Tahere said. “Not only did they perform at an incredibly high level musically, but they represented Chattanooga Christian School with humility, resilience and kindness throughout the entire trip. Watching them support one another through challenges and still achieve this level of excellence was truly inspiring.”

Guess said the experience was one he will never forget.

“Choir has always filled my soul with a peace like no other,” Guess said. "This group truly reached the essence of what a choir should be: the tenacity to persevere despite hardship and the humility they carried throughout the entire experience. Not only did this ensemble win overall, but they also won the Spirit Award—I believe that is a true testament to their character.”

Guess said receiving the Ovation Award affirmed both his passion for music and the direction he feels called to pursue.

“I was beyond honored to receive the Ovation Award,” he said. “To me, it solidified God's path for my life. I have questioned going into music, but through the ways I have seen God work, I know it is the path for me. No matter how hard I try to run from it, music, singing, and choir always forces itself into my life. I believe that force is God.”

As part of the ensemble’s success at the national choral competition, the group earned an invitation to perform in the prestigious Festival of Gold, which showcases elite-performing ensembles at premier venues across the country.

Because the CCS Choral Ensemble already secured a performance opportunity at Carnegie Hall, the group deferred its Festival of Gold invitation until 2028. The ensemble is now scheduled to present a solo concert on the stage of Chicago Symphony Hall.

In addition to competition performances, students participated in two masterclasses during the Seattle trip—one hosted through the festival and another at the University of Washington—giving students the opportunity to learn from experienced music educators and clinicians.

The ensemble also explored several of Seattle’s most well-known attractions, including the Seattle Art Museum, Pacific Science Center, and Pike Place Market. Students also participated in a whale-watching excursion during the trip.

The combination of musical achievement, educational opportunities and fellowship made the Seattle tour a memorable experience for students and directors alike.

The CCS Choral Ensemble continues to build a reputation for excellence through performances, competitions and national tours that challenge students artistically while helping them grow as leaders and collaborators.

“This group demonstrated what it means to pursue excellence while also caring deeply for one another,” Tahere said. “The awards are exciting, but the way they carried themselves throughout the trip makes me even more proud.”

The national competition honors mark another milestone for Chattanooga Christian School’s fine arts program and reinforce the school’s commitment to developing student-artists who excel both on and off the stage.