On March 15, the Bel Air High School Music Department’s Choir performed in their Spring Concert. This concert featured Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Pop Choir, Bobcat Choir and Counterpoints.

The lights began to dim at 7 pm, and the Men’s Choir and male members of Counterpoints took the stage. They arranged themselves very neatly, and Mr. Rosario, a student intern from the University of Delaware, began to conduct. Together the men began to sing the deep notes of Eatnemen Vuelie, arranged by Emily Crocker, also featured as the opening song to Disney’s Frozen. As they continued into the song, the female members of Counterpoints lined up in the back row of the auditorium and complemented the deep sounds of the male’s voices. After the song was beautifully brought to an end, women’s choir took their places.

The Men’s Choir began with a piece titled Shenandoah, arranged by Russel Robinson, followed by The Chariot Spiritual, arranged by Donald Moore. Their last song was We’re the Men, by Jay Althouse, receiving a wonderful and hilarious response from the crowd.

Women’s Choir was up next, beginning with a melodic piece called Born in a Symphony, arranged by Bianca Chamusco and Judith Herrington. The pieces were followed by A Girl’s Garden, arranged by Randall Thompson, and Cantate Domino, arranged by Nancy Hill Cobb. Both pieces were sung wonderfully and fluidly. Finally, to conclude, the group sang Yo Le Canto Todo El Dia, arranged by David Brunner, which featured the rhythmic satisfaction of clapping.

Following the women’s act was Pop Choir, arranged of several selected members of Counterpoints, featuring Hannah Barsam, Olivia Bowley, Samantha Cole, Brennon Conner, Elias Courtney, Christian D’Achille, Kiley Ernest, Devin Hott, Sky Keiser, Kaitlyn Moore, Hannah Nigrin, Morgan Nikol, Emma Shibley, and Mark Ward. The group started with the classic, Stand By Me, arranged by Mac Huff. Following this stellar performance were two Beatles songs, Yesterday and In My Life, arranged by Mac Huff and Greg Jasperse. They gave a little twist to the pieces, creating beautiful melodies with their different voices and snapping. Their finishing song, Up the Ladder to the Roof, arranged by Mark Brymer, gave an upbeat, creative end to their performance, featuring small solo sections by Sky Keiser and Elias Courtney.

The long anticipated performance of the Bobcat Choir then graced the stage. Abbey Collins, Madison Hersl, Olivia Lioi, Phillip Loftus, Brianna Merritt, Jacob Smith, Bingham Taddeo, and Victoria Van Beek received a roar from the crowd after their songs Chattanooga Choo Choo, arranged by Pete Shmutte, and Side By Side, arranged by Ruth Artman. The group did a wonderful job and had fun up on stage, clapping and using hand gestures to emphasize the lyrics.

Veronica Morales, Counterpoints member, said “The Bobcat Choir honestly did an amazing job. They looked so great up there.”

To end the night, Counterpoints performed their pieces. They began with Bogordiste Djevo by Arvo Part, followed by The Conversion of Saul by Z. Randall Stroope. They concluded with an exciting, African piece titled Dubula, arranged by Stephen Hatfield. There was chanting, stomping, and wonderful cohesion throughout the performance.

Ms. Matthews shared her thanks to the audience, and the hard work of the performers. Finally, she recognized her student teacher, Mr. Rosario, and explained how much he has affected the students. She concluded by thanking him and telling him that they would all miss him after he leaves in a week.

Sky Keiser, member of Counterpoints and Pop Choir, said “Working with Mr. Rosario was great. He really knew how to connect with us. Not only was he our conductor, but our friend, as well.”

Overall, the concert was a success thanks to the wonderful performance displayed by both the talented students and the conductors.