Concert filled with generational love ballads

The Valentine’s Concert will be held Feb. 11th in the Student Ministries center at 7:00 PM under the theme “Somebody to Love.”

Love is in the air as February begins, especially within the choral music department as they prepare for the second Valentine’s Day concert in FC history. The first concert began as a fundraiser for the Ladies Ensemble’s trip to New York last April. This year, women’s ensemble and the choir plan on performing multiple pieces under the theme “Somebody to Love.” Multiple soloists from both groups plan on performing with a live band composed of alumni, students and other members of community.

Angie Counts, a teacher at Fresno Christian and a mother of ensemble member Celeste Counts, 18’, attended last year’s concert and looks forward to this year.

“I did go to the concert last year! And it put me in the “love” mood,” Angie said. “I loved the selections, arrangements and singers. I’m looking forward to more of the same this year!”

Members are excited to present their hard work to the rest of the student body through the variety of songs picked. Katie Jacobson, ’17, describes how long the choir has been working.

“We first looked at one of our songs near the beginning of the school year and we recently began working on backup singing for some of the solos.” Jacobson said. “There is a ton of fun songs and I’m looking forward to hearing all of the different solos and duets. Other students should expect to be impressed with our soloists and those doing duets. There will also be homemade desserts for everyone to enjoy.”

First year ensemble member Dana Kwon, ’17, shares her excitement about singing on stage. 

“I am very excited about the Valentine’s Concert because it is the time for the ensemble girls to show off our singing skills whether it is through a solo or group,” Kwon said. “I am most excited for the performance because we can wear pretty dresses, do makeup, and sing the songs that we have chosen and practiced. The ensemble has been preparing for a month. Most of the ensemble girls who decided to do a solo practiced their own songs during Christmas break.”

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Soloists take extra time during lunch and after school to practice their songs with music director Susan Ainley. Extra practices on the weekend also give students the opportunity to practice with band members before they get onstage to perform in formal wear. Dressing up is a highlight for many students who enjoy the feeling of performing. The Valentine’s Concert brings about variety from normal performances and gives students a chance to sing pop songs and more casual music rather than choral singing.

Director Susan Ainley tells about her plans and goals for the performance.

“The Valentine Concert actually started as a way to fill time in between big choral events,” Ainley said. “I thought hey, we have 4 weeks with (hardly) anything to work on, what could we do for fun? Originally, we were going to perform during the day just for parents as a thank you for their support, but interest grew and a larger venue had to be secured.”

“The concert is a good way to let individuals sing a pop song, allowing them to interpret the piece as they want,” Ainley continued. “Each person decides the way they want to cover the song, not just copying the original artist. All the songs are beautiful and exciting in their own way.”

Ainley explains some specific performances and songs that the audience should look out for.

“I do get to relive my high school years with some 80’s rock ballads, such as “Faithfully”, by Journey, sung by Celeste Counts,” Ainley said. “Macie Thompson will rock the house with Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” and Hannah Nale will bring us the smooth, soulful jazz of Etta James’  “A Sunday Kind of Love”. We will hear a duet by Tyler Villines and Olivia Palmer, “Lucky” by Jason Mraz, and Emily Tapley will sing “The Rose” by Bette Midler.”

“There’s so many songs of different era’s, that everyone will be clapping and singing along at some point,” Ainley continued. “The entire choir and ensemble will join forces to finish the concert with a Rock Classic, “Somebody to Love”, by Queen.”

Homemade desserts and coffee will be served and donation baskets will be placed on tables along with decorations. Those who attend can donate to help the choir and ensemble go to the Heritage Festival in March.

For more features read, Student of the Month: Megan LeBlanc.

This author can be reached on Twitter at: @julz_lozano19.