On April 15th, the annual district chorus concert was performed. It included Frelinghuysen Middle School and Morristown High School students, with each grade singing their own songs, and two songs were sung together. All performances were directed by the amazing Ms. Gillian Erlenborn and Ms. Christine Scott.
Songs
There were about twelve songs in total. The 6th-graders sang a song called “Bhombela,” which is a song that goes along with a stick-passing game. It was sung in Zulu and had a beautiful, upbeat melody. Next, the 7th graders sang a song called “Guadeamus Hodie,” a Latin song that is full of energy. Following that, the 8th-graders sang a song called “Bring Me A Little Water, Slyvie.” This one was a personal favorite of mine and was a folksong with a beautiful melody. To finish off FMS’s songs, the Select Choir sang a song called “The Old Mill.” It’s a soft and pretty song, thought to originally be a poem, and it shows how life moves on.
Next, the high-schoolers sang. To start, the MHS Concert Choir sang “Down in the River to Pray.” This song’s origin is unknown, but it has Christian folk hymns and African-American spiritual elements. This song involves lots of body percussion, such as clapping and stomping. Following that, the Treble Choir sang “Sih’r Khalaq,” an Arabian-style song, with lots of body movements, describing the magic found in the arts. They also sang “What Was I Made For,” a song that topped charts all over the world, sung originally by Billie Eilish. The Glee Club sang “Seize The Day,” from the popular Broadway musical Newsies. The Mixed Chorale sang two songs, “Ndikhokhele Bawo,” which is a traditional South African Xhosa hymn, and “Nyon Nyon,” which tested the different sounds human voices could make.
At the end of the concert, the high school and middle school students sang two songs together, including “Lacrymosa,” a song by the famous composer Mozart. It was a funeral song, sung all in Latin. We also sang the traditional District Concert song, “I Sing Because I’m Happy,” an upbeat song, involving dancing, and a whole different range of vocals. It was another one of my favorites.
Experience
Before the festivities of the concert kicked off, all students and directors arrived early to practice one final time after working on these selections all semester. The select choir began, with the rest of the grades following. After the final rehearsal was completed and final improvements were made, everyone headed over to the cafeteria. There, we were served pizza and a bunch of different snacks. Everyone ate and talked with their friends until it was time to sing, abuzz with energy. We then headed over to the auditorium in the high school and went into our places. Then, within a few minutes, we started the concert! Everyone singing sounded amazing and seemed proud of what we had accomplished.
Reviews
I talked to a few different people, some in chorus, some in the audience, and here was their opinion.
First, I interviewed Evangeline Meyer, part of the concert audience.
Falcon Press: What were your thoughts?
Evangeline Meyer: It was pretty good. It makes me want to join the chorus next year.
FP: What was your favorite song?
EM: I liked the songs “Bhombela” and “Down To The River and Pray” because of the step team.
Next, I talked to Jack Schmidt, an alto in the chorus.
Falcon Press: What were your thoughts?
Jack Schmidt: It was very fun, and the food tasted good.
FP: What was your favorite song?
JS: I liked the song “Nyon Nyon.“
Finally, I interviewed Alexandra Bonastia, another chorus member.
Falcon Press: What were your thoughts?
Alexandra Bonastia: I thought it was very inspiring because it shows how much fun we had and how practice and dedication pay off.
FP: What was your favorite song?
AB: “I Sing Because I’m Happy.”
To conclude, the district concert was an amazing experience that showcased all the upper grades’ hard work. With so many songs and a pizza party, everyone was happy. The performance was amazing, and I can’t wait for next year’s concert! Come join us!
