Lake Park’s choir program had a successful first concert of the year, working for months perfecting their performance for the annual Fall Concert. The event was officially titled “Autumn in Song,” yet the songs they presented didn’t follow a specific theme. Instead, they all varied from genres to styles for any type of listener. The songs were accompanied by piano, trombone, or drums to add to the different moods portrayed to the audience.
Mr. Samuel Baker, choir director and teacher, noted that the four grade levels produced their own pieces, along with a couple mast songs as an entire group.
“Each song evokes different emotions and highlights the unique strengths of every choir in its own way,” Mr. Baker said.
This concert didn’t only showcase the impressive projects our choirs were working on; it recognized those who won the singing competition from Illinois Music Education Association. Students submitted recordings of their talent and were accepted based on their singing range. Singers audition for the traditional choir or jazz choir and receive specific songs or scales for that district.
Tiya Tenneti, who qualified for the traditional choir, felt like her hard work paid off.
“I’ve always looked forward to competing for ILMEA, so that’s what pushed me to compete, and even though it was stressful, it was definitely worth it in the end.” Tiya said. She also mentioned that choir teaches many lessons to students and really pushes them to follow their singing dreams.
“Choir has definitely helped me achieve my singing goals – as a freshman I was so scared to sing in front of so many people, but literally a semester later I was singing a solo in front of a whole crowd! Choir definitely teaches you so much!”
This being some students’ first concert, Mr. Baker said every student should be proud of themselves after this performance.
“I’m incredibly proud of every member of our choirs, and this concert was a wonderful start to what promises to be another outstanding year of music-making,” Mr. Baker said.
All the effort put into the presentation behind the scenes paid off for a truly touching show. Concerts provide students the opportunity to learn from mistakes and improve to become even better singers. Seeing choir members grow their skills and connect with their peers, Mr. Baker finds that they begin to deeply appreciate the creation of beautiful music together.
“Those are the moments that remind me why we do what we do: because the real magic of choral music isn’t found in a single performance, but in the journey we take to get there.”
Don’t miss the next Lake Park choir concert on December 9th.