Angelic voices rang loud and clear in the auditorium last night as the
Mandarin High choral department, under the direction of Mr. Stockton,
welcomed the Holiday season with an ensemble of melodious songs. Draped in
their performance robes, the Women’s Chorus, Gospel Choir, Concert Chorus,
and Chamber Chorus showed their musical talent as they sang their hearts out
in a beautiful array of diverse songs. A few members of our own faculty
even decided to lend their hidden abilities and did not disappoint. Over all
the Holiday Concert shone brightly, and was a sweet sound in the ears of
anyone in attendance.
First to perform was the Women’s chorus, who filled the room with their
renditions of “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day,” “Come Lets Us Sing”, and
“Erie Canal”. All 92 voices reverberated in the expanse, and each added
something special to the songs.
Next in the line up was the
praise-worthy Gospel Choir. The risers shook with their powerful voices,
and the passion with which they sang was felt throughout the entire
audience. Isaac Maitre, Gary Williams and a few others wowed the crowd with
their heavenly sounds in “Last Always” and “Oh Holy Night” that could send
chills down your spine. With the applause they catalyzed, it was apparent
they were a favorite.
Soon after, the stage was graced with the presence of the Concert Chorus.
After resounding “Laudate Dominum,” and singing in quiet tones “Hush!
Somebody’s Callin’ My Name,” (with appraisable solos by Beth Denson, Jordan
Thompson, and Ashleigh Shimko), the Faculty Choral accompanied in “Carol of
the Bells.” Their entire composition was exceptionally demonstrated.
Making a short but memorable appearance was again the Faculty Choral who
spiced up the concert with some Spanish flair in a performance of Feliz
Navidad. The hilarity of the next song resounded around the auditorium, and
laughs abounded from the audience. “The Sow Took the Measles” was a
traditional folk song about an unfortunate pig who became ill with measles
and died. The part that extracted the most chuckles had to be the end, when
Stockton ended the display with a Porky-Pig “That’s all Folk’s” and the
teachers whipped out forks and exclaimed “Lets Eat.”
To conclude the evening the prestigious Chamber Chorus waltzed out onto the
risers and wowed the crowd with their awesome musical abilities. The
diversity of music was exceptional. The accompaniment of “African Noel”
with the beat of a bongo drum only added to the cultural effect. After
singing like songbirds to “Hallelujah, Amen,” “Fum, Fum, Fum,” and “In the
Bleak Midwinter,” the applause thundered through the space, the bows were
taken, and the program came to a close.
Mandarin High definitely has a greatly
gifted Chorus program, and every voice who added to the magic deserves a
round of applause. Mr. Stockton should also be praised for the amazing
dedication and skill he has put into shaping these students and molding them
into singers. The concert has made this season a holiday to remember.
