On Thursday, Jan. 12, every KO singer had the opportunity to showcase their talents and hard work from the past semester at the Winter Choral Expo. Featuring the most adorable Upper Prep students to our most experienced senior singers, it was a great night filled with music and fun.
Senior Jada Asapohai and sophomore Zaire Ramiz both said they enjoyed watching the middle schoolers perform. Jada loved watching F.A.B., the select boys a cappella group, while Zaire really enjoyed the Middle School Concert Choir’s rendition of “Brave” by Sara Bareilles. “It was so great to watch them have fun,” he said, “and it had some killer solos too.”
After the Middle School performances, Voce Novissima had their turn. Led by Choral Director Steve Mitchell, the select choir for treble voices performed “Pacem Domine” and “Ho Tarukoi.” As a special surprise, they performed the latter in the dark while using flashlights to light specific singers while each section sang their individual part.
Outlook, the select mixed choir led by history Department Chair David Baker also performed. Jada and Zaire were both featured as soloists in the song “MLK” by U2. Although both said they felt a bit nervous before they performed, they were well-supported by the choir, as well as the audience.
The other piece that Outlook performed, entitled “Oh What a Beautiful City,” was Jada’s favorite. “It’s such a fun song to sing,” she said.
Zaire’s favorite piece to sing was a mashup of “Animals” and “Maps” by Maroon 5, performed by Crimson 7, the select tenor and bass a cappella group.
“It was our first time performing that song with an audience that big,” he said. “The energy was really huge. It was great practice for our performance at WIAF.” The Wyvern Invitational Acappella Festival will give both Crimson 7 and Oxfordians (the select soprano and alto a capella choir) another chance to showcase their hard work this past semester while competing against other schools from across New England.
Following Crimson 7, the Oxfordians performed “Always be My Baby” by Mariah Carey and “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” by KT Tunstall. They also kicked off the night with a rendition of the national anthem.
Bringing the night to a close, the Upper School Concert Choir took to the stage to perform “Come Ye Thankful People Come” as well as a mashup of “Our Time and Children Will Listen” by Stephen Sondheim and “Love is Love,” which they performed along with the Middle School.
Overall, it was a great night, and everyone who performed should be proud of what they accomplished as they put on a great concert!
