Verda

Verda Slinkard is a graduate of West Washington High School in Campbellsburg, Indiana. She received her BS in Choral Education from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. She was also a member of the Alpha Omega Pi sorority there. She went on to earn her Masters Degree in Guidance Counseling from Indiana University in Bloomington. Verda moved to El Paso, Texas, where she taught music to young children for two years. She then returned to the midwest, and took her position at Edgewood High School, where she has remained for 25 years. She has two sons, Adam and Blake. Adam was a four-year member of Music Warehouse, and Blake is currently a sophomore at Edgewood, and in his second year of the group.

Four choral groups have been developed by Verda: New Edition, formerly called Novice Choir, is a beginning level show choir that allows students to learn the basics of singing and dancing, and enjoy the opportunities of competition. Edgewood Singers is a small mixed ensemble that is primarily vocal work. Sophisticated Ladies is the all female show choir that has established a winning streak over the years. Music Warehouse, the mixed choir, has been regarded as a trend setter in the show choir world.

Music Warehouse has travelled from coast to coast, and well across the United States. Competitions are no longer Midwestern-based. In the 1990's, the group traveled to Boston, Chicago, Orlando, Branson, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, and New York City, often winning Grand Championship trophies and leaving the competition in the dust. Styles of music, dance, stage design, and advances in electronics have caused change in the show choir world over 25 years, and Verda has continued to be strongly competitive. In recent years, she has added on the challenges of "Tis the Season," a Christmas production that fills the EHS Auditorium, and "Contest of Champions," Edgewood's own show choir contest.

Verda is also a highly sought after clinician and judge across the show choir circuit. She has also been on the staff on the Show Choir Camps of American for 19 years, and the New England Show Choir Camp for 6 years.

Above all else, Verda has been a respected friend and teacher. Her character and love for music are the reasons the choral department at Edgewood High School has become what it is. She is also a large factor in the number of alumni who continue to enjoy music, either professionally or as a hobby. Her enthusiasm is why Music Warehouse continues its success after 25 years.