By Melissa Nunez, Staff Writer
Poly’s Choir hit the stage September 22nd, demonstrating their gifts as a group and more so, the support they receive and give to the community.
Bella Voce, an all girls varsity ensemble, began the night with “Elijah Rock”, a song created in the era of American slavery that uses biblical passages as a testimony of strength and persistence. They continued with an Irish Folk song, “Shule Agrah”, which is a sorrowful song about a woman’s husband who has left to become a soldier. They finished their repertoire with Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”. The group embodied melancholy, demonstrating their musical ability to express and evoke raw emotion.
They continued the night by welcoming Show Choir onto the stage with “Ain’t it Fun”, an upbeat song to lift spirits after the few despondent songs. Their choreography and expressions had them working as one, both physically and emotionally.
The Concert Choir hit the stage next with “El Vito”, a Spanish song dedicated to Saint Vitus, the patron saint of dancers. This song was especially spectacular because it was sung in two languages. It is wonderful to see the Poly choir be able to play not only a range of music genres, but also a variety of languages. They finished with “ I Sing Because I’m Happy” , a melody embodying the joyful side of singing.
Finally, Chamber Singers were welcomed onto the stage, starting with “El Grillo”. When listening to them recite the Italian frottola about a cricket, the harmony formed by the blend of their rising and falling tones is extremely apparent. They added onto this impression with their chill-inducing performance of “Nyon Nyon”, a song with no significant lyrics that instead evokes intense feeling with the use of such a diverse harmony, creating a truly indescribable performance.
Poly’s Choir is supported by alumni choir students who have returned to help the new generation: Mr. Yohonn, who graduated class of 2018, and Mr. Najera. Both show true pride in the work of our students. They are examples of Poly Choir’s spirit living on in people, even after they have left Poly.
Choir is such an important part of Poly’s community, not only because it gives opportunities for students to share their talents with an audience, but because it requires immense vulnerability. Poly’s choir teacher, Ms. Walton, explains that choir pushes people to work together as a team to inspire others on a deep emotional level.