By Renae Brown

   History? No. Music? No. History plus music? Definitely! 

   This year’s curricular concert, composed of three classes, sixth, eighth and 11th, performing, focused on connecting the past and music.

   The sixth graders sang a classic song known for its importance in the Revolutionary War called “The World Turned Upside Down” and their world was turned upside down because many had never previously sung in a choir. They also sang “Johnny Has Gone For a Soldier,” “The Star-Spangled Banner” and songs significant to the history of the beginning of the United States. 

   Several sixth graders also had solo speaking parts in order to introduce and give background information to the audience. 

   The eighth grade finished its curricular recorder careers with their performance of seven songs, including “The Birch Tree,” “Hanerot Halalu,” “Frere Jacques” and more. They also played a Holiday Quodlibet of three different songs at once!  

   Origins of the recorder songs varied from a Russian folk song to a French nursery round to an ancient Latin Advent hymn. 

   Mr. Wilkison kept the audience engaged by introducing each song before it was played.

   The 11th graders, as a choir, sang “Rise Up in Festive Song,” “Ma Navu,” “North American Folk Medley” and “Blessing.” 

   They were assisted not only by the extracurricular choir director, Sarah Turley, on the piano, but also by two students: myself and Colby Pitton-Rocha, on the violin and cello respectively. While Mrs. Turley assisted with several songs, Colby and I accompanied the 11th graders for “North American Folk Medley,” a combination of folk songs arranged by the 11th grade teacher and choir director, Dr. Mitton.

   “Choral singing is a great way for students to learn about music,” said Dr. Mitton, “It is very satisfying to hear… individuals produce a beautiful group sound that is bigger than the sum of the parts.” Once students get used to singing together, Dr. Mitton remarked, they progress quickly, and eventually the students can sing with confidence.

   For the sixth, eighth, and 11th grade students, their hard work and practice paid off, resulting in wonderful and educational performances.