Yesterday night, I was lucky enough to get to see my younger sister perform in her high school choir concert. She’s a junior now and watching her sing in the choir that I used to be a part of, that was such an important part of my high school experience was wonderful. It reminded me how talented young people can be and the significant impact that music can leave on people’s lives. The night was particularly emotional because my old choir director: Ms. Cetto, was retiring after 34 years of teaching music at my school.
I was blown away by the fearlessness, confidence, and poise of all the performers, especially the soloists. Younger choirs can sometimes be shy and quiet, but that was not the case at all for these kids. The program contained a wide variety of songs, creating a balance of serious and whimsical numbers. Some of my favorites drew from classic musicals; the choir performed For Forever from Dear Evan Hansen, Seize the Day from Newsies, and Les Miserables was incorporated twice with Do you hear the people sing? and Bring Him Home, featuring cantor guest soloist and Hall High School alumni: Gideon Zelermyer.
I felt particularly nostalgic watching Voce di Coeli, the all female a capella group I had been a part of, perform their set of two songs. It showed me how things have shifted since I left high school, yet also how things have remained constant in some ways. The finale songs of the Hall High School Alma Mater, Let the River Run, and Music Down in my Soul impressed with the rich choral sound of hundreds of students across all high school grade levels.
Below I have attached some photos and linked a clip of “For Forever” that I took during the concert. I would recommend to anyone who has a family member or friend who goes to Hall or just wants to hear some wonderful music, to attend one of this high school’s numerous musical events (Pops and Jazz is always a highlight).
The Bucketlister 