Seven singers chosen for top choir
Posted on: Apr 20, 2022
Seven outstanding singers from Delano Intermediate School have been selected for the State Honor Choir.
“This is the largest group of singers ever selected from Delano,” said choir teacher Sandy Meyerson.
Fifth-graders Katherine Burleson, Avery Coder, Koralynn Feldmann and Alexa Huotari were among those chosen, along with sixth-graders Nathan Heckman, Madeline Martin and Alyson Rinsem.
“Each DIS honor choir student is a leader in their singing section, which requires careful listening, excellent singing technique, and attention to detail,” said Meyerson. “They are very ‘coachable’ and are willing to take risks to try new ideas and ask questions. These musicians bring a lot of energy to their singing and approach each challenge with a sense of humor and community spirit. It is a joy to work with them and I’m excited for this extra enrichment opportunity for them.”
To qualify for the choir, students compete in blind auditions in which they submit audio recordings. Entries are submitted from public and private schools, as well as youth choir members from around the state. The top 20%, totaling about 100 students, are chosen. The rehearsal and performance take place Saturday, April 23, at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi. It will be the first honor choir opportunity for all of Delano’s participants.
“COVID cancelled the event last year, so I’m looking forward to their concert,” said Meyerson.
Enjoying choir
Honor choir students were asked what they most enjoy about choir. Their responses are below.
• Burleson: “I like choir because I like singing, and it’s fun.
• Coder: “What I enjoy about singing is that it gives you a chance to be free.”
• Feldmann: “The thing I like about choir is that I can show my stuff by just singing.”
• Heckman: “What I really enjoy about choir is it’s much easier than trying to learn an instrument, learning seven different scales vs. just one. It’s so much easier to get prepared. Instead of having to put everything together, you’re just ready to go.”
• Huotari: “I like choir because I like listening to all the different songs.”
• Martin: "What I really like about choir and the music is the outcome of all the songs. I love the melody and the different parts of the choir singing together to make unique sounds. It's rewarding to be involved with a group of people coming together to make a beautiful song and incredible music."
• Rinsem: “What I enjoy about choir is the unique songs and that you can really do whatever you want. You can sing your own melody, dance to your own beat – except that you have to listen to your choir teacher.”
Post Categories: Intermediate School