Eight Students Participate In Honor Choir

Submitted by jennifer.dunn on

How would it feel to be one of the eight people selected to sing with 30 schools from all across Utah and be conducted by a world famous conductor? Thanks to Ms. Utrera, the choir teacher at SJHS, eight lucky ninth grade students were able to have that experience, singing in the Utah Honor Choir. These students were Abigail Smith, Laura Reina, Vanessa Goodman, Michelle Miller, Adam Kreiger, Luke Gleave, Shane Staple, and Christian Small. 

Before Christmas break, they received the sheet music and a CD with the soundtracks for all of the songs they would sing and were able to practice on their own time for most of January. 

According to Michelle Miller, on January 22nd they met at Diamond Fork Junior High and rode a bus to Orem High to practice with all 30 schools from 8am-6pm. On January 23rd, they met at Diamond Fork Junior High at 2pm and rode in a bus to Salt Lake where they had practice from 4-6, and their performance started at 7:30.

They sang songs such as “Adonai Adonenu” and “Psalms 8” which were conducted by Henry Leck, a very well-known conductor. Abigail Smith said, “I really liked ‘Adonai Adonenu’ because it showed us what our voices are capable of, and it was pretty legit.” 

Christian Small mentioned that “all the music was pretty swagtastic, and ‘Psalms 8’ had dope harmonies.” 

“My favorite part was meeting so many people that all had a common interest,” said Michelle Miller. According to Abigail Smith, it was fun meeting everyone, but her favorite part was performing because it was “mindblowing.” 

Christian Small said, “The cute girls were definitely a plus, but I just really liked the whole experience, even though choir kids are crazy which made the bus rides super loud.” 

“It was great to have students participate in the experience. I wish I could take all of my students. It is such a great experience to sing with and get to know so many students from all over the state. The sound is incredible, and the feeling the students have from being a part of it all is life changing,” stated Ms.Utrera, the choir director.

All the participants said they had a great time, and highly recommend all the eighth grade choir students to audition next year because it is an overall great experience.

Attributions
Kennedy Bird; SJHS Staff Writer