The Spring Choral Concert

Emily Landolfi, Staff Writer
June 17, 2022

Over the past few months, the FTHS Choir has intensely prepared for their Spring Choral Concert under the directorship of Mrs. Susan Conners. After having worked diligently multiple times a week, the choir performed with eloquence, excellence, and professionalism on Thursday, May 19. With large ensemble numbers to show stopping solos, every student evidently internalized the true meaning of music and community.

The concert started off with a stellar performance by Annasimone Gemian as she sang Wake Up by Anne Previn. Anna’s vocal excellence was evident throughout the piece via her controlled tone, rhythm, and ability to blend musicality with originality. Following her performance, Beau Romanowski sang Haven’t Met You Yet by Michael Buble with style and hopefulness that captured the essence of the piece. As he progressed throughout the song, audience members experienced an increasing positivity and comfort bolstered by his masterful understanding of his own voice.

For a shift in pace, the Choir’s Select Ensemble entered onto the risers (the layered platform that choir’s typically stand on) and performed an eclectic program consisting of lively, soleful works of music. To kick it off, the exclusive group sang Connected by Brain Tate, an acapella piece reliant on unity and attentiveness. The ensemble performed the song with ease and lightness that energized the space, making the audience wish for me. They followed it up with a slow, enchanting number titled Going Over Home arranged by Sonja Poorman, featuring Sophomore soloist Daniel Lodges. Not only did Daniel encompass the emotional aspect of the piece but he sang with professional tonality and choral excellence to effectively introduce the full scope of the song. The choir focused on the yearning and desire embedded in the composition and stayed true to its folk-aesthetic. Switching up moods, the ensemble sang Four Chords (A Choral Medley) arranged by Mark Brymer, an entertaining mashup of all our favorite pop songs ranging from Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey o Paparazzi by Lady Gaga. The students visibly had a blast performing this piece and engaged the audience by transitioning smoothly from one song to the next. To wrap up Select’s section of the concert, the ensemble performed Take Five by Paul Desmond and Dave Brubeck and arranged by Kirby Shaw, a lively piece about love and leisure. Smiles radiated throughout the ensemble, mirrored by the audience when the students showcased their rhythmic abilities amidst a challenging time signature.

After a brief intermission, Natalie Moradian kicked the second-half of the concert off with a powerful, emotional rendition of With You by Glen Ballard from the musical Ghost. Her supported, impressive belts were groundbreaking and the grieving portrayal of her character highlighted the struggles of loss and heartbreak. Aleckzah Cabayarn followed Natalie with Rise Up by Andra Day, a mighty pop-song with a vast range. Aleckzah not only made the audience dance in their seat but highlighted her ability to control her vocal passages seamlessly. To end off the senior spotlight, Paige Wehner dynamically sang I’m Not Alone by Michael Grove, a love letter to a support-system. As the piece progressed, she blew the audience away with her increasingly powerful vocals.

The full choir finally took over the event, beginning with The Old Mill by Kenneth Riggs and words by Thomas Dunn English. The ensemble told a story about love, loss, and moving-on with carefully crafted vocal prestige. In the opposite mood, the second performance was of The Tiger by William Blake and music by Sherri Porterfield. The medieval tune showcased the power of the choir and transformed the audience into a world unknown. Following up, the choir sang Arise by Andy Beck, showcasing wonderfully executed harmonies and a beautiful blend between each section. Sunday by Stephen Sondheim and arranged by Mac Huff was up next, a lovely tribute to the talent of the recently late Mr. Sondheim. The artistic elements of the performance painted Georges Seurat’s famous A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte piece, doing justice to not only Mr. Sondeheim but to Seurat’s work as well. For Just a Little While arranged by Sally Albrecht took the stand next, a solemn yet grateful goodbye to the choir’s seniors as graduation approaches. To conclude the concert, the ensemble sang One Day More by Claude Schoenberg and arranged by March Brymer from thee infamous Les Miserables. After inviting alumni and friends to join, the performers sang with grace, elegance, and potence to leave the audience eager for more.

The concert was a smashing success and showcased the talent of the FTHS Choir beautifully. With music programs having been hit extremely hard from the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, the night was an award to the persistence and dedication of its students. By attending events such as the concert, you are not only supporting the music department but are gifted with the wonderful opportunity to listen to the delightful voices of the ensemble!

Members of Full Choir: