A Noteworthy Choral Performance

18 April 2014Liam L, Ellis ‘14

Imagine singing in front of a small audience who appear not to be listening. Instead they are head down, speaking into their recording microphones and frantically scratching out notes on paper. They are our adjudicators (judges). As a third year student in the Performing Arts program at Brentwood, singing with the Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Concert Choir, I can personally say that both groups have come a long way since the start of this year. First and second terms at Brentwood are developmental as new students join the performing arts groups. Initially we focus on preparing for the Concert for a Winter’s Eve and the Musical. Third term then begins with extra rehearsals to prepare for festival season and there are many, culminating in MusicFest Nationals, this year in Richmond. Last week the choir performed at a trial festival where we sang at a church in Victoria and had our first adjudication of the year. Singing in a festival can be a little nerve wracking, especially for the less experienced performers. That being said, every singer in the choir pulled their weight contributing to a superb tonal quality and an impressive high energy felt by the audience. It set us up well for the Greater Victoria Music Festival this week, where we are in the running for a 5th consecutive Gardiner Shield awarded to the top group attending the festival. The Gardiner Shield is not won solely by the choir; it is a group effort with contributions from the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Tonic Fusion. Both the choir and Tonic Fusion sang three songs and received excellent feedback from the adjudicator. She specifically commented on individual phrase colouration and blend for Tonic Fusion and tone quality for the Concert Choir. I think that both groups performed exceptionally well. The new and young students in the choir deserve special recognition for their commitment to such an intense and rewarding program. Our school’s core values are not only seen in academics and athletic programs; the performances were truly filled with Grit and Joy. Liam L, Ellis ‘14

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