AHS choral students shine at Cuesta College Vocal Jazz Festival and fall concert
The AHS Choir performed at the Cuesta College Vocal Jazz festival. Photo by Vincent Crosbie
On Nov. 8 and 9 the AHS Choir performed at Cuesta College’s 21st annual Vocal Jazz Festival held at Cuesta’s Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center. Forty schools along, with the New York Voices, performed wonderfully. AHS singers, directed by choir teacher Ms. Jones, performed “Steam Heat,” and sang “Lean on Me” arranged by Mac Huff with some choreography by Ms. Jones.
Choir member and junior Julie Evans said, "It was an amazing learning experience and I'm glad I was able to share it with fellow students who have similar passions.” Even though AHS might not have been one of the best performers at the jazz festival, they still performed a wonderful set." Ms. Jones added, “It was a phenomenal learning experience for all of us." To end the jazz festival, the New York Voices performed an amazing concert, getting some of the choral directors to sing “What a Wonderful World” by Phill Matson, who has recently passed on.
Earlier this year, AHS’s choral program put on a fabulous first performance at their annual fall concert on Oct. 2. AHS’s Show Choir performed “Fever” by Peggy Lee, which was choreographed beautifully by seniors Samantha Leasburg and Gage Neumann. Solos were performed by freshman Slayde Franklin and senior JayCee McEntire, followed by “Oh My Love’s Like a Red, Red Rose” by R. Scott Coulter and “Sing We and Chant It” by Thomas Morley.
The AHS Mixed Ensemble performed “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,” featuring a fantastic solo by sophomore Lexie McElreath, “I’m Headin’ Home,” and “Let Me Ride.” The Advanced Treble Chorus performed “The Mouse Madrigal,” with a majestic solo by the fabulous Neumann, followed by “Away From the Roll of the Sea,” and “Give Us Hope,” which had three fantastic solos by Evans, freshman Emma Blais, and freshman Annabel Power.
To end off the performance, all three choirs joined together to perform a rendition of “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan with a harmonica solo by Franklin.
The next opportunity to hear these talented singers will be on Dec. 6 as they perform at the Light Up the Downtown wreath lighting event at 6 p.m., then on Dec 11 where they will be performing their annual Winter Concert at the ABC Church at 6 p.m. Tickets will be on sale in advance from choir members and available at the door. On Friday, Dec. 13 the Show Choir will perform during the annual Winter Wonderland event at 7 p.m. downtown.