Elizabeth Perkins

Choirs Delight at Fall Concert Assembly

Sounds of anthems and songs filled the sanctuary during a beautiful hour of music at Westminster’s fall concert. There was a variety of choral music performed from the 16th century to modern times. The Children’s Choir selections included a History of Western Music, which took listeners on a musical journey from Gregorian chants through the Baroque period and into Contemporary melodies. Mrs. Statom made her debut as director of the Middle School Choir, which performed two songs and then joined the High School Choir for a moving performance of Agnus Dei.

The Bel Canto Ensemble entertained students, faculty, and visitors with a challenging rendition of the William Tell Overture, and the High School Choir concluded the concert with Turkey in the Straw complete with a “Yee Haw” yell, all under the direction of Mrs. Young.

Westminster students who were selected to the All-West Honor Choir. L-R: Houston Newsome, Anna Funes, Elizabeth Ann Hickman, Sally Walker, Christley Vaughn, Hanna Newsome, Lizzy Jorgensen, and Max Gustafson
Westminster students who were selected to the All-West Honor Choir.

Mrs. Young also announced the Westminster students who recently won places on the Tennessee All Southwest Honor Choir. Those chosen were Freshmen Christley Vaughn and Elizabeth Ann Hickman, Sophomore Sally Walker, Juniors Lizzy Jorgensen and Hanna Newsome, and Seniors Max Gustafson and Houston Newsome.

“Being selected to the honor choir requires both extensive preparation and vocal ability,” said Mrs. Young. “That eight out of the nine Westminster Academy students who auditioned were selected shows a great level of talent and dedication by our singers.”

The arduous audition process required students to memorize excerpts from seven preselected pieces. During the audition, they were asked to sing five random selections before a panel of three judges made up of local choral directors. The competition is open to students from area public and private high schools.

For each female section, over 150 people auditioned for just 35 slots. For the males, only 25 out of approximately 100 were chosen. Members of the honor choir will rehearse in November with a director from a local college. They will then present a concert at Bellvue Baptist Church on November 19th. Making the All Southwest Tennessee Honor Choir means that the singers are eligible to audition for the All State Honor Choir early next year.