For the sixth year in a row, choir students showcase their individual voices in the Valentine’s Day concert, Feb 11. While other choir performances focus on group performances, this concert allows students to choose and sing songs about friendship and love that are important to them. Genres include current hits, ’80s rock, country, Broadway musical, 1950s doo-wop, and Disney hits.

This year, the event adjusts to Covid-19 guidelines. Guests can attend the concert by invite only and the list was cut in half to allow six feet between audience members. In lieu of a dinner during intermission, guests are given a goodie bag to take home.

However, these changes did not alter the performances themselves. As usual, the solos and duets are accompanied by a band composed of student and alumni musicians and the choir’s accompanist. This includes Trevor Trevino (alumni, drummer), Blake Deffenbacher (alumni, Electric guitar) David Tuck (’22, guitar), and Max Hinton (’22, bass),

Choral director Susan Ainley spends months preparing students for the event as well as plays the keyboard during the concert.

“Starting in December, I start discussing possible choices of songs with the students,” Ainley says. “Over Christmas break I have them learn and memorize the song, and I practice the music on the piano as well. All during January, we practice during class, and I put the band together as well. Right before the concert, in February, the students sing in front of the class with a microphone multiple times to help them get ready for singing in front of a large crowd.”

Because other concerts have been canceled this year, this event has become more special than before to the choral director.

“This concert began as just a fun way for my women’s ensemble to pass the time until festival,” Ainley continues. “Little did I know it would become the highlight of the whole school year, and I am extremely grateful that we are able to continue this tradition.”

Performances

Brennen Tozlian, ‘21 – “I’ll be waiting” by Adele

Natalie Johnson, ‘22 – “You Are the Reason” by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis

Andrew Scully, ‘23 – “Gone” by Phillip Phillips

Sophia Adams, ‘24 – “L.O.V.E.” by Nat King Cole

Paige Deffenbacher, ’24, and Amy Deffenbacher – “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables

Serenity Cortez, ’24 – “Earth Angel” by the Penguins

Aimee Castaneda, ‘21 – “Stand By Your Man” by Tammy Wynette

Sarah Upshaw, ‘23 – “Reflection” by Lea Salonga

Derek Degroot, ’22 – “I’ll name the Dogs” by Blake Shelton

David Tuck, ‘22 – “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash

Brennan Tozlian and Aimee Castaneda – “From this moment” by Shania Twain

Ellianna Gonzalez, ‘23 – “We belong together” by Pat Benatar

Paige Deffenbacher – “Jolene” by Dolly Parton

David Tuck – “You raise me up” by Josh Groban

Maddy Tatham, ‘21 – “Thinking of you / Wishing you were somehow here again” from the Phantom of the Opera

Madison Gallegos, ‘24 – “Tennessee Rain” by Addison Agen

Jana Williams, ’23 – “If I ain’t got you”

Brennan Tozlian – “Make you feel my love” by Adele

Sarah Upshaw and Ellie Gonzales – “Somewhere” by Barbra Streisand

For more articles, read Pixar’s Soul Explores Life’s Big Questions, Leaves some Unanswered and How Valentine’s day can be celebrated on campus.

Summer Foshee can be reached via email.