Many Benet students participate in choir to develop their musical abilities. Since choir students choose to give up their homeroom period or take on an extra class, the choir is made up of dedicated people who truly love what they do. One of the most exciting parts of being in choir is the concerts that take place four times a year. Each time, there are two concerts; one is on Wednesday and the other on Thursday. At the fall Choral Concert, all singers were excited to share what they had been working hard on for the previous eight weeks. The four groups that performed were the Freshman Choir, the Sophomore Choir, the Concert Chorale, and the Madrigals. Mr. Wand directed, while a variety of pianists accompanied the voices of the choir members. Mr. Russ played the freshman song “Alleluia” and the combined freshman and sophomore piece “Shine on Me.” He also played another sophomore song, “Swing Down Ezekiel,” while junior Nick Huie played their third piece, “Exsultate Jubilate.” Sophomore Abby Ling accompanied the freshmen for “Gaudeamus Hodie.” Ms. Alyssa Buena, a member of the Benet Class of 2018, played the piano as the Concert Chorale sang “Alleluia,” “Total Praise,” and “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord.” Sophomore Lucas Ling played “Come Live With Me and Be My Love,” another Chorale piece. Finally, the Madrigals, a talented group of junior and senior a cappella singers, sang five pieces: “It was a Lover and His Lass,” “Rest Sweet Nymphs,” “El Grillo,” “Beati Quorum Via,” and “Dies Irae.” The concert finished with all of the singers performing “Marvelous” while accompanied by Ms. Buena, after which the audience was invited to sing the Alma Mater.

The musicians did everything in their power to make the concert spectacular. Choir is a unique class because the work put into it can be shown off in an exciting and engaging way. Not many people want to watch someone take a math test, but the large number of people who went to the concerts proves that many people want to see students take their choir “test.” Performing their pieces gives choir students immense satisfaction. It allows them to share their love of music with other people. Since it was their first-ever concert, this one had particular meaning for the freshmen. When asked about it, Sophia Palas was eager to share her thoughts: “The concert was an amazing experience as a freshman. Everything was so organized, and the songs everyone sang were just beautiful! Mr. Wand is an amazing director and teacher; he really knows what he’s doing. I feel honored to be a part of the choir here at Benet.” Altogether, the concert went extremely well and the students are eager to start preparing for the upcoming Christmas Choral Concert.