Selma High’s Choral Program had their first concert of this school year on Tuesday, October 15th, in the Selma High School dining hall. They had multiple performing groups, including ALMS Singers, SHS Treble Choir, Selma Bass Choir, SHS Chamber Singers, and a combined choir. Many enjoyed these performances, giving numerous praises to the young vocalists.
The first performance of the evening was Abraham Lincoln Middle School’s Choir. Their set included “Cantamos” by James M. Desjardins, “Polly Wolly Doodle” by Brad Printz, and “Home” by Phillip Phillips. “ALMS’s singers improved a lot. I really loved Polly Wolly Doodle,”Melanie Serrano stated.
The second performance included the combined ALMS and SHS Bass Choir. They performed “Shenandoah,” arranged by Andrew Parr.
“I think we did a 7/10. [Our performance] was better than our other songs but not our best,” bass singer Angel Zuno commented. “I love the echo part in our song.”
Next up was Selma High School Treble Choir, singing “All The Way Home” by Sarah Quartel, “Agnus Dei” by Ruth Morris Gray, and “I’m Gonna Sing When the Spirit Says Sing” by Sarah Quartel.
“[They] did really well, but could always use improvements,” Sammara Montaño said. “My favorite song is ‘I’m Gonna Sing When the Spirit Says Sing’, it has a very upbeat rhythm and was overall really fun.”
The final group performance was Selma High’s Chamber Singers. Their set consisted of “Mist on the River” by Mark Patterson, “Jambo,” arranged by Jacob Narverud, and “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel” by Roger Emerson.
“We did an amazing job, [and] improved a lot from last year,” Chamber Singer, Hernan Vasquez, thought. “My favorite part was Lainey [Davis] performing her solo.”
Their annual tradition to sing “Homeward Bound” continued this year, concluding their Fall concert.
“We did really well, especially given the circumstances of getting a new pianist,” Choral Director, Jorge Flores continued. “Of course, there’s always room to improve, but I’m proud. They did the best they could’ve done.” Flores believes that there were plenty of “beautiful moments” throughout the concert.
“We have many new singers, now that they have experienced their first concert, they have a taste for what is to come with festivals, or future concerts,” he stated.
He wants his singers to know, “I am proud of you, and all that you do for our program. We appreciate you being here, and I am excited to see you grow.”
Finally, Flores said, “To all the people outside of choir, this is a safe space for people to be who they are. You don’t have to be the best singer in the world to be in choir. I believe that everyone should try choir at least once, because it could truly change your life”
