On Mar. 3, the ACHS Titan Choir made its return to local church Christ the King Anglican for their annual performance. For more than 10 years, this beloved tradition has brought together this church congregation and other attendees. This year’s program consisted of eight songs selected for the occasion, beginning with Lift Every Voice and Sing.
“Music is really important and is simply good for culture and society. People are singing less and less in a choral setting and you lose something without it,” said church rector David Glade. “We’re so pleased to welcome the Alexandria CIty High School choir and are grateful to be a part of it.”
The choir also sang Jubilate Deo followed by I Am The Wind. Certain pieces were performed by the Advanced Choir, distinguished by ACHS Director of Choral Activities Theodore Thorpe III. This included Awake My Soul and Sing, along with Sit Down Servant. Most of the students sing praises regarding the tradition of performing in the Christ the King sanctuary. As they sang, the sunset drew into the space through the colorful, stained glass windows creating an unforgettable experience for the choir and the audience. The choir also believes that the atmosphere brings out a distinct richness in their collective voice.
“It’s a sound I’ve never heard before, and mixed with how pretty the room is… it’s really great,” said junior Sylvia Lawlor.
The show lasted for 45 minutes, ending with an ovation that lasted until every student stepped off the stage and exited the sanctuary. Congratulations and cake followed.
“I love how welcoming the community who watches us is… it really makes it a joy to perform,” said sophomore Hope Keber. This year marked her second time performing in the school choir for Christ the King.
“They’ve been coming to play a concert for at least 10 years. I’ve been here for almost all of them, and now it’s a tradition that I come with my daughter,” said associate rector, Peter Schwanda. “I think it’s really good for the church to hear the music that’s being sung by part of our local school’s music program, and likewise, for people who support the local school program, to be in a beautiful church.”
Thorpe also said that the performance is good practice for on-stage singing before competitions in the spring. “This is one of many stages the choir can perform and be in front of an audience without judgment and shake off any jitters,” said Thorpe. “There’s no choir program without a community to support it or to perform for. Having the community be part of the process is probably the most valuable thing.” The choir has been performing at CTK since 2015, withstanding the pandemic years. “It’s been a joy to be a part of it every March,” said Thorpe.
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