FARMINGTON – The opening of the school year means that the sounds of music will once again be heard in the halls of all SAD 9 schools.

At Mount Blue High School, the popular Mount Blue Voices, an a cappella vocal ensemble, has begun rehearsals for performances to be given during the 2003-2004 season.

The 15 members of The Voices are under the direction of Dennis Hayes. The group was formed in 1995 and has, over the years, gained a reputation for presenting quality performances in an entertaining style.

In April, the Mt. Blue Voices will return to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., for the third time. Previously the Voices traveled to Florida in 1998 and 2000. This spring the singers will present two Disney Magic Music Days concerts, take part in a special Disney Sings workshop, and perform in a clinic session with American Vybe, the professional a cappella group that performs regularly in the American pavilion in the EPCOT theme park.

Hayes annually puts together a repertoire for The Voices based on the type of major events the students will perform at during the school year. This year the focus is on Disney so the Voices are working on a “lighter” program that will inlcude a number of pop hits, jazz standards, patriotic songs and a Disney medley which includes, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” from Pinocchio, “Cruella de Ville” from 101 Dalmations and “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” from Finding Nemo.

Members of this year’s Mount Blue Voices are sopranos Anna Dunlap, Jen Wallace, Michelle Scribner, Rylee Doiron, Charity Allen; altos, Dana Naliboff, Rachel Church, Britny Lee, Angie Richards; tenors, Evan Bonney, Lee Fellman, Jake Smith, Arian Bates; basses, Tom Aseltine and Devon Robinson.

For performance opportunities and bookings interested organizations and groups should contact Mount Blue High School or Dennis Hayes. The Mount Blue Voices do not charge for performances. Donations are accepted.