The annual winter choir concert featured the talented singers of SPF on Dec. 19, 2018. Audiences arrived for the 7:30 concert and were not disappointed. Under choir teacher Jan Allen’s direction, the concert overall featured many talented soloists and accompanists.
The most exciting performance was given by Sensations Men. This group performed an acapella version of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” This song highlighted the talents of senior Brent Mankin and junior Billy Kasper, as well as senior Paolo Bayotas III’s beatboxing. The performance was energetic, and the singers’ dance moves added another layer of excitement for the audience. Kasper’s spoken interlude also had the audience laughing.
Another notable performance was from the Concert Choir. The impressive wall of students filled the stage, and their performance was the final one of the night. They sang a total of six songs, and featured several soloists. Sophomore Justyana Fornta sang a solo in “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” a classic from “Carousel.”
After the nod to “Carousel,” Concert Choir sang “Hallelujah Chorus” from “Messiah” and featured a small brass section. The brass section included trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba and timpani — a beautiful compliment to the other students’ voices.
The choir’s setlist also showed off the instrumental talents of many other students on piano, bass, drums, congas and the classic holiday sleigh bells.
Select Choir, Men’s Choir, Chamber Choir, Las Cantadoras, Sensations Women and Sensations also performed during the concert, and their performances kept audiences entertained the entire night.
Memorable performances included Select Choir singing a hauntingly beautiful song version of e.e. cumming’s “i carry your heart with me.” Another one was Bruno Mars’ “Marry You,” as sung by Sensations. This song featured seniors Lauren Barth and Rachel Schuman. Chamber Choir also sang the holiday classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” as arranged by Molly Ijames.
Choir students also had an opportunity to sing songs they had worked at during region-wide choir workshops. These songs were especially impressive and were more proof of the students’ dedicated work.
As the last song of the night, Allen asked SPFHS choir alumni to join the choirs onstage and sing “The Lord Bless You And Keep You” by Peter C. Lutkin. Seeing former students reunite with high school friends was heartwarming, and provided a unique opportunity for now college students to perform at SFPHS again.
Overall, the concert impressed audiences. It was a strong demonstration of talent and hard work. With both upbeat and slow songs, the concert was entertaining and a winter masterpiece.