Oak Forest HS Choirs Sing at Oak Forest-Crestwood Chamber Community Expo

The Oak Forest High School Madrigal Choir took the stage to entertain community members with part of their set for the upcoming Madrigal show at the Annual Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber Community Expo, held October 14 at Arbor Park Middle School. Choral Director Mr. Pazik brought three Oak Forest High School groups to Arbor Park to perform.

The Vocal Show Ensemble, a curricular choir which meets during the school day, performed “Corner of the Sky,” from the musical Pippen, a jazz ballad “The Nearness of You,” featuring soloist Alyssa Ryan, and a Pentatonix arrangement of “Halleljuah,” featuring soloists Griffin Boger and Anthwan Rice. All three pieces were sung a cappella by 17 outstanding vocal students who sang with passion and beauty.

Two extra-curricular ensembles, the Ladies In Waiting and the Madrigal Singers performed a number of selections from their repertoire. The Ladies In Waiting sang “What if I Never Speed” by composer John Dowland. Although their final number was not from the Renaissance Period nor a Madrigal piece, “Row, Row, Your Boat,” the crowd really enjoyed the harmonies and the improvisation by the girls, Mr. Pazik, and the Madrigal Singers as they entered the stage.

The Madrigal Singers performed five songs: French pieces “Tourdion” and “Je le vous dirai,” a Latin piece “Adoramus te Christe,” and two English pieces “Wassail” and “Come Let Your Hearts be Singing.” The students maintained their excellent sound throughout. According to their director, Mr. Pazik, during the Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber Community Expo, the Madrigal Singers’ “harmonies, stage presence and overall performance were of an elite standard.”

Mr. Pazik said, “All three groups did an amazing job. I look forward to the many performances we have ahead: The Madrigal Dinner on December 8 and 9, and the Holiday Concert on December 13.” Mr. Pazik also said, “If your organization or club are in need of a group to perform as entertainment at an upcoming event, please contact Mr. Pazik at vpazik@bhsd228.com or by phone at (708) 687-0500 Ext. 3603. Come out and support the Oak Forest High School Music Program.”