Vocalists Return from Tour, Host May 12 Concert
Vocal Music students on the last evening of the annual Spring Tour, at the Mini Prom.
April 26, 2017 -- The Heights High Vocal Music Department’s annual Spring Tour was on April 6-9 with New York City as the destination. The bus tour included master classes, a Broadway Show, performance opportunities and sightseeing. The jam packed itinerary exposed students to world class performances in a major cultural center.
After returning from the tour, students focused on preparing for their final concert of the year on May 12, 7 p.m. in the Wiley Auditorium. The concert will feature senior soloists, Five Hebrew Love Songs and the medley from the musical Hairspray.
The 2017 Spring Tour included 53 students in grades 9-12.
The students attended the Broadway musical Phantom of the Opera. On the following day, they attended a master class with the show’s music director and one of the show’s performers. The class centered on vocal dynamics and combining music and drama. The group performed for the teachers and enjoyed a lively Q & A session.
Ira Shankman, a music professor from New York University, conducted the other master class that focused on singing with emotion, listening to each other and diction. He had the students close their eyes while singing to better blend their voices.
Dr. Shankman told the students that he was impressed with their skill level and that they should contact him directly if they are interested in a scholarship to attend NYU.
“When other teachers work with the students they bring their own perspectives that compliment and confirm the classroom content,” said Vocal Music Director Jesse Lange.
The group performed at St. John the Divine Cathedral and the Apollo Theater where several high school vocal music groups both toured the historic theater and performed for each other.
In addition to the scheduled performances, the students also sang in the Grand Central Terminal, offering an exceptional acoustic venue and an appreciative audience.
The sightseeing to cultural landmarks included stops at the National September 11 Memorial, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Plaza.
The last evening of the tour included the ‘Mini-Prom,’ event, a semi-formal dinner and dance at the group’s hotel.
One of the vocal music tour traditions is a special surprise performance event for the senior. This year the seniors attended the Cirque Du Soleil show, Paramour.
“Another advantage of taking students on an out-of-town tour is the team building that happens when we are in a different environment, with different teachers and being exposed to so many important national landmarks,” said Vocal Music Manager, Kim Sudduth. “When the students have a strong team attitude, the group perform well together.”
Twelve parent volunteers and Senior Class Principal Jane Simeri served as tour chaperones.