Colfax High School choir students perform in choir of 900 at Dorian Vocal Festival
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COLFAX MUSICIANS that pariticipated in the Dorian Festival are from, Left to right: Audrey Ebert, Theo Hovde, Alex Rose, Jacob Wibel, Amelia Schmitt, and Carrie Christensen (teacher). —photo submitted
Five Colfax High School Choir students had the opportunity to attend Dorian Vocal Festival January 7 -8. Audrey Ebert, Theo Hovde, Alex Rose, Amy Schmitt, and Jacob Wibel travelled to Luther College in Decorah, Iowa with their choir teacher, Carrie Christensen to rehearse in a select choir of around 900 participants. Singers from Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin form the largest select choir in the Midwest.
The students rehearsed Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, and the Monday evening concert was moved up to noon to accommodate the snow coming into Iowa.
While at Luther three of the Colfax students also performed solos for Luther College music instructors, receiving vocal coaching that will help as they prepare their solo/ensemble songs. Junior Theo Hovde also received special recognition by earning Honorable Mention recognition from his judge.
“Dorian is always a great experience for students,” said Carrie Christensen. “They’re always blown away by the sound and tone of their gigantic sections.” Senior Amelia Schmitt said, “I loved how the entire choir sounded together. It was such a huge but mature sound.” Junior Audrey Ebert said she was impressed by the “amount of people, scheduling, and ability to keep everyone on task.” Junior Theo Hovde added “It was amazing having so many people singing with you in your same section. The sound that we were able to produce was beyond anything I have ever heard.”
“I take students to Dorian who have already demonstrated leadership within our ensemble, but they come back with more experience and inspiration to share,” said Christensen.
Schmitt said “The Dorian experience helped me to become better at sight-reading.” Rose said he learned “Bring a warmer sound to your voice brings more sincerity to the lyrics.” Hovde added “I am appreciative to the Colfax School District for the opportunity.”