It’s that time of year again when Christmas music is on every radio, the weather is colder, and, of course, there are concerts put on by the Davie High Arts Department. This year, the Choral Arts classes performed a variety of different pieces, ranging from “The Polar Express,” which was put on by all levels of choir, to “White Winter Hymnal,” which was performed acapella by the Honors Vocal Ensemble.
Every member of a choir is crucial. The dedication that it takes from those of all grades to perfect their sound is astounding, and that should not be undermined. For many of our seniors, this will be the last concert of their high school career. The Talon asked our seniors and choir director Brittany Darst how they felt about this winter performance.
Charish Griffin, a current Contare student, says that she felt calm walking onto the dimly lit stage. She claims she does not see herself pursuing music after finishing her high school education. Despite this, Griffin still pushes herself every day to perfect her sound.
Evan Copeland, Vocal Ensemble student and football player, states that he thinks that Vocal Ensemble as a whole was tired from singing at the elementary and middle schools in Davie County.
“I think last year was good, but this year was definitely more thought out,” he says. Copeland also does not plan to pursue music professionally after high school. Darst says, “He’ll do anything you ask him to. He’s a great guy with a huge heart.”
Maliyah Chunn is described as sweet and hardworking by her director and many of her peers. She is a Contare student who does not have any plans to continue a choral arts career. “I think I did well, considering the fact that I am pregnant and it was hard to stand and sing for the length of our performance. I feel like I could’ve done better if the circumstances were different.”
Aidan Davis, another Vocal Ensemble student, has been in chorus every semester of his high school career. Davis says he’d like to pursue music in a less professional way and join the music programs his selected college offers. When asked about the concert, he states “I feel pretty well about our performance. There are definitely things we can still work on, but as a group, I think we did alright.”
Erien Jones is another Contare student who is said by Brittany Darst to be “committed to what she does.” She is currently in her third year in Davie Choir. She currently has two chorus classes back to back and is able to sing alto for one class and soprano for the other.
This year, the song selection was put together almost entirely by the students. Darst says she tried to honor as many as possible while still having both a simple meter and a compound meter piece. She also acknowledges the growth she has seen in all three of her class periods, both in maturity and vocally.
“I look forward to the growth in this program in future semesters and years to come.”