FC concert and chamber choir begin preparations for the sixth annual Valentine’s concert, Jan. 26. Mark your calendars for Feb. 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the SMC. [Ticket information below]

The Valentine’s concert gives students the opportunity to showcase their individual talents, contrary to their group setting as a choir. 

Fourth-year FC choir student, Ellianna Gonzalez, ‘23, has performed in the Valentine’s Concert for three years. 

“My favorite performance was last year’s,” Gonzalez said, “Sarah and I sang ‘Someday’ from West Side Story together and it was a blast.”

Directed by Susan Ainley, Gonzalez has sang a variety of love songs and breakup songs throughout her high school choir years such as ‘We Belong’ by Pat Benatar, ‘Someday’ from West Side Story and a mix of ‘So this is Love’ from Cinderella and “Bella Note” from Lady and the Tramp.

Ainley has hosted the annual Valentine’s Concert for seven years and brings each performance to life with new themes and desserts each year. This year’s theme is Love Song. 

“The concert can be anywhere between 15-20 songs,” Ainley said, “ This year, if all goes as planned, we will have 20 songs performed by 17 students.”

The Valentine’s Concert will hold a variety of genres such as classic rock, country, broadway, pop, and Disney tunes. There will be a brief intermission where guests can enjoy a light dessert.

“We used to set up round tables with chairs since we had a full dessert, which seated around 240 people,” Ainley said, “This year, we are setting up the maximum amount of chairs in the SMC which seats 315 people.” 

Ainley spends weeks of class time to prep students to perform with a live band, made up of students and teachers. 

“I love seeing students grow in their confidence while preparing for the concert.” Ainley said, “It is not easy to stand up on stage and sing a great song that everyone knows. I’m proud of all of them for working by themselves and with me to improve their singing and performing skills.”

To pre-order tickets, email [email protected], or purchase tickets at the door, general admission is $10 and student admission is $5. 

For more photos, visit the media page.

For more articles, read Joel Sartore: The Modern Noah and The private life of Scott Bucher.