District Honor Choir

Jourdan auditioned for the District Honor Choir this fall.  He was told that it was unlikely that he would get in as most freshman don't make it into the choir.  He wasn't deterred in any way.  His teacher was smiling during his audition (I could see her, not Jourdan through the window) - turns out that was a good sign.  Only 65 kids from the 4 high schools in our district made it into this choir.  Only 3 of those were freshman, and Jourdan was the only boy freshman.  We're very proud of how hard he works with choir.  (I guess all those music lessons we invested in when he was younger paid off - for his music abilities and his math skills!)

The performances are posted in order of the concert.  (We hope you enjoy them Grandpa - this is for you!)  Song #1 is called "Freedom Come"

I always try to position myself to get a clear shot of MY kid at the choir concerts.  It never fails that no matter how hard I plan, or who I ask - I somehow end up not being able to see Jourdan during parts of each performance.  This event was no exception.  In the first number, the district camera operator (for local cable access) walked in front of me - at least once!  Also, the choir moved from one area of the room to another.  Then, they repositioned themselves during the performances for almost each number.  AND, as if that wasn't enough, the conductor kept moving around, so there are some numbers where Jourdan's face is uninterruptedly visible behind the conductors flailing arm.  Sheesh, you would think this wouldn't be so difficult, but for some reason, it always is!

Song #2 is titled "Chantez":

The 3rd number is "Gloria is Escelsis Deo".  It was written by their guest conductor Dr. Weidenaar - he currently teaches at Central Washington University, but has taught music all over the world.  He was brought in special to train the kids in this honor choir.

 

 Song #4 is called "Sometimes I Feel"

And, the last song was titled "He'll Make a Way".  Because I know you can't see this one Grandpa, think Southern Baptist choir (or perhaps Born-Again Christian); it's full of swaying, bouncing, "amens", and "hallelujahs".

We then got to listen to the District Honor Orchestra and the Honor Band.  We were very impressed with all 3 performances that night.  Each group had their own guest conductor.  Of particular interest was the personal story of the orchestra conductor, Dr. Dijana Ihas, who told her story as a viola player in Sarjevo at the time of the Bosnian war.  We were impressed with how well the LDS community was represented in each of the groups that shared their talents that night - very interesting.  We're looking forward to the possibility of being able to attend again next year.