Choir Season Ends in Success
In the span of ten days ranging from April 30 to May 9, the CVHS choir program performed in the largest choral competition in the state of California, hosted and performed with the top university choir in the country (the BYU singers), and performed an emotional spring senior send-off classical concert titled “Always Keep this Close.”
“We’ve been busy but it’s the best kind of busy,” laughed choir program director Laryssa Sadoway.
The first event of the spring was the annual Golden State Choral Competition in Pacific Union College in Angwin, California. For the first time ever CVHS acted as host of the competing after placing first in both divisions of the completion last year chamber and concert. During the awards ceremony, both the Madrigals and A Capella choirs perform an awards showcase to further the facilitate the passion for music.
“As someone who has been fortunate enough to attend the competition for three years and see CVHS’s growth from fourth to a double gold to hosting, I can say that it has been the one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said senior and Madrigal Britney Eng.
Next came one of the most incredible experiences yet for the CVHS Madrigals on May 10: an opportunity to be critiqued by and perform with the BYU singers. This choir has performed for many of the most famous composers in the world, toured internationally, recorded numerous albums, and are currently on a tour of the west coast. The BYU director being a CVHS alum made this concert all the more special, and the passionate energy culminated in a piece sung by both choirs together titled “All of Us,” remarking on the need to love and accept all. Choirs had the chance to meet each other and have dinner together and many Madrigals remarked on their positive experience.
“I thought I’d be super intimidated by them and they wouldn’t want to speak to us. All I can say now is I was shocked by how incredibly kind they are, and their heart shines through their performance,” said senior and Madrigal Kimberly Boakye.
Four days later followed with an annual event known to be the most sentimental and emotional concerts of the year: the spring concert. Many seniors dread the day, and emotions are palpable as many seniors are seen tearing up during rehearsals before the concert. The concert involves the entire choir program and culminates with the tradition of seniors receiving a rose during the last song “Blessing.”
Now that the whirlwind of events has died down, many seniors grow more and more wary of their time left in the program, as they look forward to one last hurrah: the senior awards night on May 21 in the cafeteria.
“These past few weeks my life have revolved around choir. All of the stress is worth it for me. We get to make amazing music together as a family and I will treasure it forever,” said senior, Madrigal, and co-choir chairperson Victoria Bernal.
“From being one of the chairpersons, directing pops, and hosting Golden State, I have learned and grown so much as an individual, and these experiences will stick with me forever as I explore life beyond high school,” said senior and Madrigal Nick Halmagean.
But it’s not only seniors reminiscing. Many underclassmen in the program realize how privileged they are to be part of such an incredible family.
“If I didn’t have choir, I would’ve likely transferred to Redwood or dropped out altogether,” remarked sophomore and first year Madrigal, Adam Kleinschmidt.
Though choir seniors are sad to be leaving the program, the memories they carry with them are invaluable. Many of them have spent time together traveling in Chicago last year, caroling in San Francisco, and every event in between, and the effect this program has had on them cannot be understated. So as the final words of “Blessing” insist, “Until we meet again my friend.”