This past Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th, members from Norwin’s Chamber Singers, Bel Canto, and Concert Choir performed in the annual Westmoreland County Music Educators Association Chorus Music Festival at Burrell High School. Under the tutelage of conductor and St. Vincent College professor Dr. Thomas Octave, the County Choir students learned a total of six varying choral pieces to showcase to their friends and families later on Friday.
“What I loved most about this festival was that people were very kind,” said sophomore Sienna DeJesus, a first time County Chorus singer. “I felt like I was in my comfort zone and just wonderful in general. I would absolutely compete in the festival again next year.”
On Thursday, the choir students from Norwin drove down to Burrell Highschool bright and early. Before the long day commenced, and during breaks throughout the rehearsals, the students were able to mingle with one another, meeting new people from different schools and grades. They were able to grow closer with those around them, but also start becoming familiar with the new environment. The student singers were also provided lunch and dinner across the two days, fueling up for the rest of the rehearsal ahead.
”I loved performing at County,” said Jake Mumpower, a senior County Choir singer. “The music pieces selected for this year’s festival were very different, and I really enjoyed singing all of them.”
The night of the performance, all of the students walked formally onto the stage, wearing their respective robes to resemble their schools. The six music pieces chosen by Dr. Thomas Octave all had differing meanings behind the lyrics. All of them, though, were meant to lift the members of the audience up and raise their spirits. The list of songs was as followed: “Zadok the Priest”, “You Are the New Day”, “Over My Head”, “You Will Be Found”, “Do You Hear What I Hear”, and finally “Keep Your Lamps!” Along with the audience, the singers truly loved the songs, performing them all with unmeasurable amounts of passion and charisma.
”I believe anyone can come to these festivals,” DeJesus started, “regardless if you are a good singer or not. If you have the passion for it, you can do it.”
In the end, this year’s festival was an success! All of the Norwin High School County Chorus singers— along with the rest of the singers from all over Westmoreland County— enjoyed themselves again at this year’s festival. All singers were able to expand their musical knowledge with learning of the new pieces, while also meeting new people and having a great time. All of the Norwin choir students are looking forward to next year’s WCMEA County Chorus Festival.
