Inspiration and Hope Rise through Voices of All Ages at Avoca District Choral Concert

Wilmette-- February 2, 2017-- Students from Avoca West, Marie Murphy, and the New Trier Varsity Voices came together in song for the sixth annual Avoca District Choral Concert. Ninety students in grades 3-12 participated in the concert entitled "The Earth is Singing.” The concert opened with all three ensembles singing the Georgia Sea Islands spiritual "Yonder Come Day" and closed with the South African folksong "Bonse Aba" conducted by guest conductor David Ladd, New Trier Music Department Chair.

The younger students shared how much fun they had singing with students from the other schools. “Not only is this a beautiful event from an artistic standpoint, but the mentoring that occurs as the older students model techniques, behaviors and leadership is a tremendous gift to these young musicians,” shared Avoca Superintendent, Kevin Jauch.

This event was inspirational and joyful for the participants and those who had the opportunity to hear the children's voices raised in song. Many audience members were moved by Avoca West’s poignant performance of Z. Randall Stroope’s piece “Inscription of Hope.” The text of the piece is based on words that were found scrawled on a cellar wall in Cologne, Germany during the Holocaust. Also of note was the Marie Murphy Concert Choir’s performance of “I’m Goin’ There,” a Greg Gilpin arrangement of the “Wayfaring Stranger” folk song, with solos by Davina Shin and Cecilia Perez.

New Trier Varsity Voices impressed with the 1960’s jazz tune “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” and then moved to the modern song “Brave” featuring solos by Meagan Rittmanic, Maliha Syed and Gracie Nayman. You can watch the entire performance here or by visiting www.avoca37.org.

The Avoca West Spring Choral Concert will take place on Monday, April 24 at 6:00 PM in the Avoca West South Gym. The concert will feature the school's two choirs, Primary Choir and Concert Choir, comprised of 100 students in grades 1-5 under the direction of Elizabeth Weismehl with guest conductor Daniel Hammond, choral director at Marie Murphy.