Colfax students perform in choir of 1,200 singers

Four Colfax High School seniors performed with a select choir of singers from Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota and Minnesota January 10-11. Andrew Buckley, Hannah DeMoe, Tucker Hovde, and Hannah Yingst sang at the annual Dorian Vocal Festival at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

The massed choir was under the direction of Luther College choir directors Dr. Allan Hightower, Dr. Andrew Last, and Dr. Jennaya Robinson. Composers Susan LeBarr and Jake Runstad were also part of the festival. In addition to rehearsing and performing with over 1000 singers, the students heard concerts featuring a Decorah High School choir and three Luther choirs.

Senior Andrew Buckley had the special opportunity to participate in Dorian’s Chamber Choir, a group of 100 singers from within the choir. Chamber Choir students gathered a day early on Luther’s campus to learn extra music.

Colfax participants were eager to share what they learned and the impact Dorian had on them: “I learned in order to have a taller and more mature sound to open your mouth wide and stay relaxed,” said Tucker Hovde. Hannah DeMoe was impacted by Dr. Hightower saying, “It’s not all about you.” Andrew Buckley added, “Singing in the men’s choir was absolutely astonishing. I have never heard so many powerful basses in one room before. You could get chills when they hit those low notes. It was great to sing with that many tenors, and create wonderful music.” Hannah Yingst added, “Never would I have thought that 1100 high school singers could be so synchronized in so little time. Hearing that many accomplished singers was truly rewarding. Everyone’s dedication was so impressive. We worked long hours but I enjoyed every minute of it. Singing with all of those students I learned that with a thousand voices, it sends one message. Young people sharing the love of music is very important. This experience was absolutely wonderful.”