DeSoto Central High School Choirs
Chorale
The DeSoto Central Chorale is an auditioned ensemble that competes at district, state, and other festivals. This group performs advanced literature and tries to develop a more advanced knowledge of music theory and sight reading.
Bella Voce
Bella Voce is an auditioned women's choir. This group performs concerts and competes at district, state, and other festivals. The main focus of this group is for the singers to become proficient in the fundamentals of music theory and sight reading, as well as improving vocal technique.
Fiero
Fiero is an auditioned men's choir. This group performs concerts and competes and district and state festivals. The main focus of this group is for the singers to become proficient in the fundamentals of music theory and sight reading, as well as improving vocal technique.
Justin Wadkins, Director of Choral Activities
Mr. Justin Wadkins is in his fifth year as director of choirs at DeSoto Central High School where his responsibilities include teaching four choral ensembles.
Wadkins holds the Master of Music degree in choral conducting from The University of Mississippi as well as the Bachelor of Music degree in music education from The University of Mississippi. He was heavily involved in music throughout his years at the university, being a member of the Pride of the South marching band, the wind ensemble, concert singers, men's glee, and opera theatre. In 2015, Wadkins was a part of the world premiere of the new opera, Hamlet: Prince of Denmark. The opera theatre department also took the production to Prague, Czech Republic, for the European premiere.
Wadkins is a member of the National Association for Teachers of Singing, the American Choral Directors Association, and the National Association for Music Educators.
Mr. Wadkins serves as the Assistant Conductor of the Mississippi River Chorale. He is also a tenor in the semi-professional choral ensemble ICTUS and in the Second Presbyterian chancel choir.