The Haines High School man choir, treble choir, and seniors Mark Davis and Lydia Andriesen all received command performances at the Region V Music Festival earlier this month.
Andriesen performed “Sure on This Shining Night” as a vocal solo. She said it was exciting to receive a command performance for her senior year.
Andriesen said even though the event was virtual, the environment of the music festival was still incredible and, as typical of past festivals, the performers were at their best. “Everyone is so excited about music,” Andriesen said. “It makes you more enthusiastic about your pieces.”
This was the first time the festival was held virtually. Teachers allowed students to be dismissed from their classes so they could listen to pre-recorded and live-streamed performances from across Southeast.
Students were also able to attend virtual music classes. Music director Matt Davis said the classes ranged from lessons about musical technique to writing music.
Davis said that the camaraderie, encouragement and respectfulness among the musicians was present throughout the virtual event.
He had the students pre-record all their pieces. They filmed at the Chilkat Center while wearing their concert attire. Davis said they also ordered a special microphone to better capture the performers’ sound.
After the event, Davis said he received an email from Heather Gluth, the music teacher at Mount Edgecumbe. “My students were literally cheering for and singing along with the man choir,” Gluth said in the email. “I wanted to pass on their enthusiasm to your group!”
Davis said it is a blessing to witness his students polishing their musical skills. He said he’s excited to finish off this school year with this group. The musicians are now working to compete in the virtual State Solo and Ensemble Festival.