As Christmas draws closer, the choir contributes to the festivities with on- campus caroling on Dec. 9 and 11. Continuing this annual caroling tradition, the choir cues in to foster Aliso Niguel’s holiday spirit.
Teachers had the option through sign ups to request for some choir students to come by their classroom and sing some carols. The choice of scheduling rested on the days of Dec. 9 and 11 either during wolverine plus or fourth period. Upon their arrival, the singers present song options to the class and promptly perform a short program.
Mr. Harney, the director of the choir program, said, “I compile all the [requests], I make a map of the campus, and we have … a couple of days where we go around and try to hit different teacher’s classes. We sing for the administration building too and stuff like that, like I said, we try to spread some Christmas cheer.”
For those who don’t get the chance to see the choir’s caroling can choose to attend a small concert on Dec. 17 at 1:45 p.m. in the S.T.E.M. building to enjoy the harmonizing students within the resonating lobby. The admission is free, and on top of listening to carols, attendees will also be able to enjoy school provided refreshments and snacks.
The choir’s performances are not only limited to the school grounds, however. The choir additionally goes out in public to sing in places like Town Center, the Marriott in Dana Point, the Plaza de la Paz’s shopping center, and the Ladder Day Saints Church off Aliso Creek.
During Dec. students must prepare around 12-13 songs to sing, which is double the repertoire they are usually requested to rehearse.
Sidney Barter (11), a member of the Madrigals, said they started preparations back in Oct. He said, “It was great that [Oct.] was [a calm month], because we still have another concert with different music, but we had to practice early because it had to be ready for [this week]”.
The concert alluded by Barter is the choir’s winter concert on Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m., taking place within the Mission Lutheran Church in Laguna Niguel. During this concert, the entire choir will perform in a picturesque, acoustical hall along with a group of professional musicians, focusing primarily on holiday repertoire.
Choir consists of four different sections: the Madrigals, a mixed group of the highest level of singers; the Bella Contore, a high level female choir group; the Teal Tones, a mixed group of high level singers that focusing more on jazz and acapella; and the Concert Choir, which is the entry level class.
Within these groups, the caroling was mostly done by the Madrigals in classrooms, and the Teal Tones in the staff offices. But, all four sections will participate during the winter concert.
The choir is hosting auditions in the spring in which they hope to gather more students of any level who are interested in the art of singing. Because of the huge reduction of choir students during the pandemic, the program has had to rebuild its student numbers. With new interested members, the choir is sure to be able to continue its concerts and activities, especially during the holidays.
