Do You Hear the People Sing: Chorus concert schedule changes
Tradition is an important part of musical education, which makes the times when that tradition is broken stand out most. With every year that passes, the chorus department has remained the same, like a constant note in an educational symphony. However, recently there have been some groundbreaking changes in how solo singers will perform.
In the 10 years that chorus teacher Jacob Cook has overseen the department, the concert schedule has followed a predictable pattern: group performances separated by solo acts. Regardless of tradition, the time has come for a new system.
“Post-pandemic, some people were just starting to get concerned with how long they were around people in enclosed spaces. [They] complained that with the soloists, it made the concert too long. My goal was to try and create choral concerts that were about an hour or less, while providing solo opportunities for students,” Cook said.
In previous years, there have been four concerts spaced throughout the months. These concerts followed the standard mix of ensemble and solo performances. To highlight the demonstration of student talent, while still keeping the shows relatively short, Cook has made a few minor adjustments.
“We’re only going to have three chorus concerts this year, and none of them are going to have solo opportunities. What that does is give me that maximized one hour of time just for chorus choral ensemble music,” Cook said.
However, this is not the end of the solo acts, as there will still be plenty of opportunities for talented students to show their skills.
“There are going to be two solo concert nights. I can now make that a one hour opportunity as well which could actually double the number of solos I offer in each concert, so instead of just eight I’m looking at sixteen or twenty,” Cook said.
Many of the chorus students are very excited about these new changes and what they may bring to the department.
“I think it’s really helpful because the length of the last concert was way too long and people started to get bored because there were so many solos. I think cutting that out and putting it in its own separate thing will respect the soloists and cut down on the length of the concert, focusing on the music that we’ve been learning in class,” senior Lindsey Martin said.
Others see the change as an opportunity to display more talent.
“I have my own style that I like to sing that doesn’t get covered in the classroom. This is my chance to let my personality out a little bit,” senior Stefan Orgain said.
The first solo concert will be on September 26, followed by the first ensemble concert on October 19. Both concerts start at 7 pm. Admittance is free, as it has been in previous years. Make sure to support the chorus department as they start the next phase of what their choral tradition looks like.
