CHS students sing in choir of 1000 at Dorian Vocal Festival
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DORIAN PARTICIPANTS — Eight Colfax students were chosen to participate in the annual Dorian Vocal Festival. —photo submitted
Eight Colfax High School Choir students had the opportunity to attend Dorian Vocal Festival last week. Caden Erickson, Drew Gibson, Pierce Harvey, Trey Hovde, Wesley Kallstrom, Hunter Larson, Nathaniel Lee, and Belinda Loew travelled to Luther College in Decorah, Iowa with their choir teacher, Carrie Christensen to rehearse in a select choir of 1000 participants. Singers from Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin form the largest select choir in the Midwest. The choir was directed by Luther College faculty members Dr. Andrew Last and Mark Potvin as well as Elaine Hagenberg. A unique experience of this year’s Dorian was that three of the composers: Kyle Pederson, James Deignan, and Elaine Hagenberg, were present and did a question and answer session with the students.
While at Luther five of the students also performed solos for Luther College music instructors, receiving vocal coaching that will help as they prepare their solo/ensemble songs. Seniors Trey Hovde and Hunter Larson also received special recognition by earning Honorable Mention recognition from their judges.
“Being able to attend Dorian was an incredible experience,” said junior Caden Erickson. “I truly enjoyed being a part of a choir that big and learning new and interesting concepts that can help me become a better singer.” Senior Trey Hovde added, “The cool part about it is how musically gifted the instructors and students are. I felt so humbled to be there and take part in such amazing festival.”
Senior Wesley Kallstrom said, “Dorian…was phenomenal! It’s impossible to describe how it feels to sing with a thousand people. Every part sounded so rich and full. Every singer there tried their hardest. There is no other choir like Dorian with it’s massive sound and perfect pitch.”
Mrs. Christensen added, “It was especially neat this year to have a record 8 students selected. It’s such a unique honors choir to take kids to and I’m thrilled (although not surprised) they got so much out of it.”