When one does something with passion, the results are seldom less than extraordinary. And there is certainly no shortage of passion in the Benet Choir. As freshman Lauren Barrile put it, “I decided to join choir because singing is a strong passion that I have. I may not be the best singer out of the sixty-five people in the chorus, but I try to make the most out of the twenty minute class.” To get an even greater sense of the love present in the Benet Choir and to find out how anyone can experience a showcase of what the program has to offer, I asked a few questions of senior, Jenny Cunningham, about her time as a part of the Benet Concert Chorale.

Q: When is your first choir concert?

A: There are two, Tuesday October 20 and Wednesday October 21.

Q: How many concerts are there a year?

A: There are 8 concerts in all–2 for each of the four “seasons” of the year.

Q: What songs will you be performing for this concert? 

A: We’re singing songs from a wide range of genres for this concert.  Some are very traditional and similar to past years such as “Ballad to the Moon” and “All that Have Life and Breath” while others are more folky and fun like “Cindy” and “Shut de do”.  “Cindy” is also featured in the marching band’s half time show, and I think that really shows how far reaching the music department is at Benet. 

Q: Why did you decide to join choir?

A: I’ve always loved singing and have taken part in choir ever since grade school.  I wanted to stay active in that part of my life in high school and our music department is fantastic. Brian Wand is a great director and puts on a great show every time.

Q: What is your favorite part about choir? 

A: It’s nice to take a break from the more academic side of school and get to focus on a more creative aspect of what Benet has to offer.  I’ve also made some of my best friends from taking part in choir.

Q: Do you like the songs you are performing at the concert? If not, what would you change?

A: I do like them!  They show that choir is a lot more than just singing church songs. Mr. Wand takes music from many different eras and combines them in a way that flows perfectly in our concerts.

Q: What is your least favorite thing about choir?

A: That it’s only 3 days a week.

Q: If you could summarize your choir experience thus far in one sentence, what would you say?

A: This is a quote by my friend Kate Schiliro, also a senior and a part of the Concert Chorale as well as Madrigals, “Benet’s choir program has inspired and encouraged me to pursue my passion for music.”
Q: Is anyone welcome to attend the concert? Does it cost money?

A: Yes anyone can come!  Tickets are only $3 a person so get them early because they’re known to sell out!

     Be sure to come and experience the first choir concert of the year. If the level of passion amongst the performers is any indicator, the show will be nothing short of extraordinary.