Ava McDonnell 
The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park announced the winners of its third annual Choir of Distinction competition, honoring Seminole High School and Innovation High School as its 2026 recipients.
Directed by Samantha Torres Baker, Seminole High School’s Noles Choir earned recognition representing Seminole County Public Schools, while Innovation High School Mixed Chorus, led by Christina Jimenez, was selected from Orange County Public Schools. Both ensembles stood out for their excellence in musicianship, sight-reading, and overall performance.
Launched in 2023, the Choir of Distinction competition is one of the organization’s newest education initiatives aimed at elevating high school choral programs across Central Florida. Participating choirs first submit recorded auditions, which are evaluated by a panel of college choral directors. Finalists then advance to a live performance round, where judges assess their technical skill and stage presence.
Winning choirs are awarded a comprehensive nine-month enrichment experience that goes far beyond recognition. Students participate in specialized instruction, workshops, and collaborative performances alongside the renowned Bach Festival Choir and orchestra. The program offers students exposure to professional-level training covering key areas such as music theory, choral techniques, musicianship, and performance practice.
The Choir of Distinction program is part of the organization’s broader 91st season, which runs through April and features a dynamic lineup of performances and educational initiatives designed to inspire audiences and support emerging talent across Central Florida.
Students selected for the program also have opportunities to perform in renowned venues such as Knowles Memorial Chapel, located on the campus of Rollins College, where many of the Bach Festival Society’s concerts are held. Known for presenting high-quality classical music performances, the organization hosts signature events including its annual Bach Festival and choral masterworks concerts, drawing audiences from across the region.
For the Bach Festival Society, the competition reflects a broader mission to inspire and cultivate the next generation of musicians. Since its founding in 1935, the organization has remained committed to sharing the works of Johann Sebastian Bach while supporting music education at every level. In addition to the Choir of Distinction program, it also nurtures emerging talent through initiatives like its National Oratorio Competition, which attracts young performers from across the country.
“The Choir of Distinction program represents our commitment to the future,” said John V. Sinclair, the organization’s artistic director and conductor. “We are so proud of Samantha Torres Baker and Christina Jimenez and are thrilled by the talent and potential of their choirs.”
The Choir of Distinction Award is meant to highlight not only the achievements of these young performers but also the enduring impact of arts education in the area. By investing in student musicians and providing meaningful opportunities for growth, the Bach Festival Society continues to ensure that the legacy of choral music thrives for generations to come.
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