By Mackenzie Arthur / Staff writer
With a mix of new and returning choir members, putting together a concert in nine weeks can be a difficult task. However, members were able to complete this task successfully with the help of their leadership.
The NPHS choirs performed their fall spectacular on Sept. 30. Concert choir, Diamond Sensations, and Crimson Heat were all showcased in the performance. The show was directed by choir teacher Micheal Dean.
The show started promptly at 6:30 pm with an opening performance from Diamond Sensations. They performed the songs “Dance!” and “Famine song.” “Dance!” included the use of different body percussion and layering of sounds. This was different but still fun and entertaining.
Once Diamonds exited the risers, the NPHS concert choir entered the stage. The concert choir sang “Heart of Earth” which sounded great. The concert choir is a mix of boys and girls which provides a nice blend of voices. The concert choir also performed the song “O Sifuni Mungu.” This song was sung in a different language which was interesting to hear. I have heard the NPHS choirs sing songs in different languages, but this one really sounded unique.
Crimson Heat came on stage right after the concert choir. Crimson performed the songs “Cantique de Jean Racine” and “Time.” “Cantique de Jean Racine” was sung in French with confidence. Singing in a different language is definitely a hard thing to do, but Crimson Heat made it look easy. “Time” was soft and very different from “Cantigue de Jean Racine,” but still sounded good.
Later in the evening, the New Palestine Education Foundation and New Palestine Main Street both presented checks to support the choirs and their new stage uniforms. All three choirs were wearing these new uniforms during the concert. The new dresses and tuxedos provided a uniform look which added to the formal vibe of the show.
After the check presentation, Diamond Sensations came back on stage, except this time they were wearing different colored sparkly dresses. Diamonds sang and danced to the song “Rhythm of the Night.” The featured singing and dancing was entertaining to watch.
The difference between singing and dancing performing and standing singing is significant. One is upbeat with fun lights and visuals and one is formal and dimmed. All the choirs do a great job of making both entertaining for the audience by incorporating different things like body percussion and singing in different languages.
When Diamonds hit their final pose, they invited their 3rd-5th grade show choir kids camp campers onto the stage to present their dance and song that they were taught at camp. Diamonds and the campers sang “Firework.” This piece was choreographed by the Diamond Sensation dance captains. The choreography was age appropriate and looked enjoyable.
Kids camp was held on Sept. 20. Camp provided a great opportunity for elementary to junior high students to try something new.
After all the kids were back in their seats and Diamonds exited the stage, Crimson Heat got in their places for their turn to perform. Crimson performed the song “Get On Your Feet.” Crimson’s performance was captivating and entertaining. The song lyrics were motivational and the choreography reflected what was being said in the song.
As Crimson’s performance wrapped up, 6th-8th graders were brought up to the stage to showcase what they learned at kids camp. Crimson Heat and their campers sang and danced to the song “Run Like The River.” The student choreography was unique and fun. It looked like everyone on stage was having a great time.
Once Crimson and the 6th-8th campers were done performing, Diamond Sensations, concert choir, and the rest of the kids camp kids were welcomed back to the stage for one final song. The NPHS choirs sang the song “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” The message of this song was uplifting. Having all the choirs on stage was powerful and sounded phenomenal.
Since the show featured all of the choirs it provided a great opportunity for audiences to see a little bit of what each choir has to offer.
On Dec. 5 and 6, the NPHS performing arts department will host their annual Winter Gala. All three choirs along with all three bands will be showcased in this performance.
With the show choir competition season quickly approaching, Crimson Heat and Diamond Sensations will start rehearsing their competition shows after fall break. After a great fall concert, the NPHS choral department has a bright year ahead.
