Concert Choir, Symphonic Orchestra Keep Tradition Alive

          Since the 1990s, the Concert Choir and Symphonic Orchestra have teamed up to put on a Masterworks Concert during the Fall semester at Parkway North. On December 15, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. both groups kept this tradition alive by performing Mozart’s Requiem in the main gym.
           “It’s a different kind of art form. You’re being exposed to other groups of students and their talents which contribute different sounds to the overall performance,” said junior Savannah Schlobohm, choir member
          Since the inception of the Masterworks Concert, the choir takes the main stage while the orchestra plays background simultaneously. It’s a style of music that both groups seem to enjoy being a part of.
           “I enjoy being part of the concert because, even though it takes a lot of dedication and is hard work, the final performance is completely worth it,” said junior J.J. Kim, violist, Symphonic Orchestra member.
          Brian Reeves, director of the choir, and Ken Rapini, director of the orchestra, are experienced in putting together this concert, and the musicians involved in this year’s version seem to enjoy being under their leadership.
          “They’re the ultimate duo. The work that Reeves and Rapini did to prepare us pieced together perfectly for the concert,” said Kim.
           Both groups practiced separately for four months for this event since the beginning of the Fall semester. Despite this fact, the groups only practiced together two times, for a total of three hours, before the collective performance.
         “The best thing about being part of the Masterworks concert is listening to the great music written by great composers,” said junior Kyle Persons, trombonist, one of the six members of the symphonic band joined the orchestra for this experience.
          The Concert Choir and Symphonic Orchestra will not perform together again until Fall 2012.

By Kevin Graeler