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Concert Choir attends inaugural Disney Honors Choral Invitational
May 23, 2005 11:24 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
After a competitive auditioning process, Darlington’s Concert Choir and Choral Director Dan Bishop were pleased to find out that they were one of 12 high school groups from across the nation invited to attend the inaugural Disney Honors Choral Invitational April 20-24 at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort in Orlando, Fla.
The Concert Choir participated in the Disney World Seminar and Master Class on Thursday, and presented a 40-minute performance at the Saratoga Springs Theater on Friday. Five college choral directors adjudicated the choir’s performances of “Lux Aurumque,” “O My Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose,” “City Called Heaven,” “If Music Be the Food of Love” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
The group received a congratulatory message from Weston Noble of Luther College after their performance. According to Bishop, Noble is considered as one of the greatest choral directors of recent time.
“Dr. Noble’s first comment was, ‘How do you get them to sing like that?’ He was amazed that a group of 33 singers could produce such a beautiful, warmth tone with such power,” said King.
Noble’s written comment stated, “These students are so blest to have you! There is such a natural musicianship in all you do. Yet I know you spend countless hours on details and it shows.”
Other comments from the choir adjudicators included:
“Well done! You are good, smart and musical – my deepest appreciation for your performance – it was most special.” – Charles Smith, Michigan State University
“Outstanding, your accuracy is wonderful.” – Larry Wyatt, University of South Carolina
“Bravo, everyone! Very beautiful performance with an elegant sound.” – Jerry Blackstone, University of Michigan
“Beautiful healthy tone with a wonderful sense of pitch. Congratulations, you folks are fabulous!” – John Sinclair, Rollins College
After a day spent at local theme parks, the trip culminated with the Disney Honors Celebration Gala at the Epcot World Showplace. Following dinner and an address given by Noble, Lauren Bowling and Brandon Goodman, president and vice-president of the Concert Choir, followed Bishop on stage to receive an award from Disney’s most dignified personality – Mickey Mouse.
“I enjoyed the trip immensely,” said Goodman. “Our performance was at eight in the morning, so I learned that you have to give 100 percent whether the performance is at seven at night or at the crack of dawn. There are no excuses to be made; you just have to give your all.”
Bishop declared the trip a success. “Overall, it was one of the best choral department trips ever,” he said.
On May 1, the Concert Choir joined the Ladies’ and Men’s Chorales in Morris Chapel for their annual spring concert.
The 15-song performance featured favorites such as “How Can I Keep from Singing?” “Bound for Jubilee” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Student soloists included T.J. Crews, Parker Mattingly, Logan O’Riley, Ben Cantrell, Ed Bonnyman and Brandon Goodman. Darlington seventh-grader Mary Frances Doss joined the Ladies’ Choral as a guest soloist for “Castle on a Cloud” from “Les Miserables.”
Choir members appreciated the wonderful response they received for their hard work. “Before our accompanist even hit the last chord of our final song, ‘Bridge over Troubled Water,’ audience members were on their feet,” said Goodman. “It was a phenomenal experience. It was the best response I had seen at any show.”
*Written by Eric Molletta, PR intern
The Concert Choir participated in the Disney World Seminar and Master Class on Thursday, and presented a 40-minute performance at the Saratoga Springs Theater on Friday. Five college choral directors adjudicated the choir’s performances of “Lux Aurumque,” “O My Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose,” “City Called Heaven,” “If Music Be the Food of Love” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
The group received a congratulatory message from Weston Noble of Luther College after their performance. According to Bishop, Noble is considered as one of the greatest choral directors of recent time.
“Dr. Noble’s first comment was, ‘How do you get them to sing like that?’ He was amazed that a group of 33 singers could produce such a beautiful, warmth tone with such power,” said King.
Noble’s written comment stated, “These students are so blest to have you! There is such a natural musicianship in all you do. Yet I know you spend countless hours on details and it shows.”
Other comments from the choir adjudicators included:
“Well done! You are good, smart and musical – my deepest appreciation for your performance – it was most special.” – Charles Smith, Michigan State University
“Outstanding, your accuracy is wonderful.” – Larry Wyatt, University of South Carolina
“Bravo, everyone! Very beautiful performance with an elegant sound.” – Jerry Blackstone, University of Michigan
“Beautiful healthy tone with a wonderful sense of pitch. Congratulations, you folks are fabulous!” – John Sinclair, Rollins College
After a day spent at local theme parks, the trip culminated with the Disney Honors Celebration Gala at the Epcot World Showplace. Following dinner and an address given by Noble, Lauren Bowling and Brandon Goodman, president and vice-president of the Concert Choir, followed Bishop on stage to receive an award from Disney’s most dignified personality – Mickey Mouse.
“I enjoyed the trip immensely,” said Goodman. “Our performance was at eight in the morning, so I learned that you have to give 100 percent whether the performance is at seven at night or at the crack of dawn. There are no excuses to be made; you just have to give your all.”
Bishop declared the trip a success. “Overall, it was one of the best choral department trips ever,” he said.
On May 1, the Concert Choir joined the Ladies’ and Men’s Chorales in Morris Chapel for their annual spring concert.
The 15-song performance featured favorites such as “How Can I Keep from Singing?” “Bound for Jubilee” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Student soloists included T.J. Crews, Parker Mattingly, Logan O’Riley, Ben Cantrell, Ed Bonnyman and Brandon Goodman. Darlington seventh-grader Mary Frances Doss joined the Ladies’ Choral as a guest soloist for “Castle on a Cloud” from “Les Miserables.”
Choir members appreciated the wonderful response they received for their hard work. “Before our accompanist even hit the last chord of our final song, ‘Bridge over Troubled Water,’ audience members were on their feet,” said Goodman. “It was a phenomenal experience. It was the best response I had seen at any show.”
*Written by Eric Molletta, PR intern
