Melanie Q./Staff
Anyone sitting in Schoedinger Theater on Wednesday, November 13, can confirm it was swirling with harmonious tunes and soulful melodies, thanks to the Academy Middle and Upper School’s first choir concert of the year. With a “Nature’s Harmony” theme, the music centered around our wonderful Earth, creating a peaceful ambience.
The sixth grade filed on stage first, opening with Mark Patterson’s wholesome “Keepers of the Earth,” accompanied by Orchestra Director, Mr. Greenwood, on violin. They then performed Emily Crocker’s arrangement of “J’ai Vu Le Loup,”or “I Saw the Wolf,” a French folk song from the medieval period. It featured Gabby C., Dylan M., Michael P., and Georgia S. in an ensemble.
Continuing to sing in other languages, seventh graders began with “Mi Gallo,” or “My Rooster,” a traditional Spanish folk song arranged by Andy Beck, featuring claves and maracas. Next up was Lisa Longe’s “Bloom,” a hopeful and touching piece. With a hand drum and shaker, they dazzled with a swingy, lively performance of Jim Papoulis’ “I Met a Bird.”
Eighth graders commenced with Christi Jones’ arrangement of a traditional Italian song, “Bella Ciao,” or “Goodbye Beautiful.” They transitioned into “Beneath One Sun” by Emily Crocker, an optimistic song about unifying as humans. Bruce W. Tippette’s fast-paced, dramatic “Who Has Seen The Wind?” ended the Middle School segment of the concert.
The first of two Upper School choirs, Treble Choir began with Laura Farnell’s “High Flight” highlighting soloist Datse T. A homage to mothers came next in Byunghee Oh’s “Arirang” in Korean, or “Mother of Mine.” Treble singers closed with Jim Papoulis’ “In My World,” an upbeat song about finding joy in small moments.
The final group of the night, Camerata, dazzled with soprano, alto, tenor, and bass vocals, creating a rich atmosphere and harmony of sounds-first were bongo drums, conga drums, and a shaker accompanied Craig Hella Johnson’s arrangement of “Let the River Run” from Working Girl. An Estonian “Muusika,” or “Music,” by Pärt Uusberg followed with a calming vibe. Beginning with a musical imitation of pattering rain, “The Red-Gold Darkness of Rain” by Dominick Diorio created a unique sound that echoed through the theater. The final song, Daniel Shreiner’s “The Dawn,” ended the night on an inspirational note.
Congratulations to all singers for their successful performance, plus choir director Mr. Jenkins and pianist Mrs. Kristoff. The choir’s vocals left me with blessed ears and a relaxed mood.
To experience this for yourself, mark your calendars for next year: Upper Schoolers perform at First Community Church at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 11, and in the Dining Hall for Cabaret on Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. The Middle School spring concert is on Tuesday, May 13, in Schoedinger at 7:00 p.m.
