An exceptionally presented musical performance is doubtlessly a challenging effort accomplished by few professional choral assemblies, let alone a convergence of high school singers. In defiance of this absolutely undeniable principle, many students commonly expect a perfectly constructed show, thanks to a number of TV shows, comparatively “Glee.”
Because the show is focused on a high school glee club, students are certainly prone to correlate an everyday school choir to the club in the TV series, complete with professional vocalists and remarkably distinct choreography.
Although Diamond Bar High School’s Fall Choir Concert was none of these, I could discern from the performers a true passion for what they did, which tolerably eclipsed modest deficiencies.
The concert, directed by Patty Breitag, primarily featured an array of traditional spiritual style arrangements. The combined choirs set the stage with a lovely opening number, “For the Beauty of the Earth,” composed by John Rutter. Nevertheless, I was not able to thoroughly enjoy the melody, as I was rather anxious on behalf of the sopranos who appeared to be occupied with some degree of trouble confidently reaching the high range. Despite such complications however, the song altogether was conveyed beautifully.
After a rendition of Ellie Goulding’s “Lights,” by seniors Tayler Lanning and Trent Grinham, showcasing Lanning’s remarkable guitar skills, Women’s Show Choir, Solitaire, secured the spotlight. I was only faintly interested by the first two numbers, particularly because both songs were not of my preference. Nonetheless, as the piano prelude accompanying the third song filled the theater, I was all ears. Although the tune, “The Song That Nature Sings,” composed by Ruth Elaine Schram was gracefully harmonized with an incredible sense of dynamics, a similar detail that had concerned me throughout the opening number was recognizable in this song; the girls’ singing retained clarity, yet held uncertainty. However, the performance was still enjoyable.
Having completed their performance, Solitaire handed the stage over to senior Jeffrey Liu, who sang Frank Sinatra’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” During a notably long measure of rest, he entertained the audience with his dance steps. Liu’s voice is well-developed for jazz, and he did a passable job of handling the song in his own way, though the delivery of the tune was quite bland.
The concert improved itself along the way with the soloists following the Chamber Singers. I am especially obliged to congratulate senior Melissa Leanda for demonstrating a sweet rendition of Lisa Loeb’s “Stay.” I am happy to praise the appealing voice of Leanda. A number of other soloist, considering the demonstration of their excellent state manners.
All in all, attending my very first school choir concert was only a mild discouragement. Nevertheless, I truly appreciate the hard work and effort that was put into the performance, and am once again impelled to applaud the several soloists and the acumen of the stage crew.