On Tue., Mar. 11, 2014, members of Bel Air’s Counterpoints choir donned their long black dresses and tuxedos as they went to Patterson Mill to participate in the 2014 Chorus Festival.
Counterpoints is a coed choir consisting of students from grades 10-12. The Chorus Festival is a judged assessment with the scores ranging from 1, best scoring, and 5, worst scoring. There were 3-4 well known teachers and professors judging the performances as schools from all over came to get the best score possible.
“It’s not as much of a competition, it is more of an assessment of the ability as a choir to work together,” Junior Noah Courtney said.
The choir began with their warm-up song “Locus Iste”. Then, they performed “Non Nobis Domine” for their first judged piece and followed with “I Am Not Yours” for their second judged piece. Then, they moved on to a sight reading assessment where the choir performed a rhythmic piece that they had to clap and count the beats. Finally, for their second sight reading assessment, they performed an 8-measure melody.
“Doing well at assessments requires a lot of focus. Every member has to be concentrated and take ownership in their part. We all have to trust that everyone is performing as best as they can,” Senior Beca Wiseman stated.
Counterpoints received their scores near the end of the day, and they had received all 1’ss. By receiving such good scores, the choir can now move on to the State Festival. The State Festival is the crowning achievement that any high school choir in Maryland can get.
“All the kids in our choir are dedicated and talented and we make a great team! We’re all thrilled we made it to States and can’t wait to perform again,” said Wiseman.
“It’s especially exciting as a senior because performing at that level is a truly amazing experience. We lost a lot of talent with last year’s seniors, but this year we’re back where we left off. It’s a really big deal for everyone,” Senior Chris Buelow stated.
Congratulations to Counterpoints and good luck at the State Festival.