Emerson Choir takes center stage this week, performing their first semiannual pop show on Nov. 7 in the Emerson auditorium at 7 PM. This is a long-standing tradition that blends music, movement and school spirit. For their first show this year, the theme is Movie Night, where all songs must be popularized by movies.
Aside from the obvious genre shift, the thing that makes choir’s pop show so unique is the solo acts. This allows students to showcase their individual talents without having to blend to their peers’ tone and sound. There will be 14 solo acts for this show, all of which went through an audition process with an outside judge. This can be a very nerve racking experience, which Choir Director Elijah Lopez sees as a learning experience. Other students, like Maya Richa, 12, has been singing and auditioning for years and sees her auditions as a performance.
“For the audition itself, I was not too nervous,” Richa said. “My goal was to let the judge enjoy my performance rather than judge it.”
One of the appeals of pop shows is being able to pick your own song. There aren’t very many, if any, chances to pick the song that one sings in a high school choir. Students take advantage of this and thoroughly think through the songs that they sing, ensuring that they use this opportunity wisely. Students take advantage of this, choosing to pick emotional songs that they connect to.
“I chose this song [Journey To The Past from “Anastasia”] because I have a strong emotional connection to it,” Maleah Micklas, 10, said.
The weeks leading up to the show are filled with rehearsals that bring students from different grades together. Choir members say the collaboration and energy make the experience memorable. This is even more powerful, as a lot of the show is student led. Seniors Carly Savois and Easton Quave are both Dance Officers for the choir department and have been teaching choreography for the show.
“It’s weird being in charge, but I like it,” Quave said. “I feel like people get to see me in a different light.”
Emerson Choir’s upcoming pop show promises to highlight the ensemble’s musical excellence and versatility. Audiences can expect an evening of polished performances that showcase the choir’s range and energy. There will be 20 acts in total, each with a fun dance number to go along with it. See you Nov. 7 in the Emerson High School auditorium at 7 p.m. to see the fruition of all of this hard work.
