There is something about seeing a group work together as a whole that brings magic to the stage. This was certainly the case at the Choir Showcase on September 23 in the Grand Theatre at South City Campus. Five individual choir groups from Salt Lake Community College brought a show that not only surprised their audience, but presented the beginning of a magical semester.
Seeing as the semester only began a little over three weeks ago, these choirs had little time to prepare and connect with one another. However, they presented their choir as if they had been together for years.
“They come together very well for the three weeks they’ve had” said Lyle Archibald, the director of the choirs.
The choirs that performed this particular night included Salt City Jazz, Jordan Institute Choir, College Chorale, Sounding Joy and Chamber Singers.
“We practice three times a week,” said Dallin Brown, a member of the Chamber Singers. “We don’t really stress until the last week.”
The night began with Salt City Jazz. The group’s tight harmonies and swinging tunes allowed the audience to tap along, not to mention the comfortable atmosphere they produced. The choir connected with the audience through their rhythmic movements and bright facial expressions.
The College Chorale consists of a number of non-auditioned students who are interested in choir. Although the choir previously consisted of a large number of students, the space would not permit.
“We just recently reintroduced it,” Archibald explained.
Unfortunately, not many students are aware of it. The class is held on the Taylorsville Redwood Campus at 9:00 a.m.
“If anyone would love to come and do some stuff with the chorale we’d love to have that be back to the sixty, seventy voices that it used to be,” Archibald said.
“Chamber Singers is auditioned. It’s for a little more select students who have had some experience,” Archibald continued.
The Chamber Singers were the brightest stars during the showcase. The power in their dynamics and sound set up a strong belief that the group will get even better throughout the rest of this semester.
“I love the performance. I love the process particularly. I love the process with the students and seeing them get better and better… and really have a whole new vision of what their potential can be,” Archibald said.
He went on to explain the lack of student support the choir program receives.
“There are many, many classes. Music, humanities, other fine art classes that require students to go out… and attend five different concerts over the course of the semester, and that’s what these things are for. That’s why they are free to students. That they can come here and see and do that… support our own students.”
While the chemistry that each group has was easy to see during the performance, it was even more clear to see as they interacted after the show. They showed that choir results in trust.
“You put on a bold face,” explained Tom Dowdle, another member of the Chamber Choir. “You know you always have your section to back you up.”
These choirs will perform next in a Veteran’s Tribute on November 11 and 12 in the Grand Theatre on South City Campus. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m.
