The lights went down, the seats were filled, and time felt frozen in the glorious Hyperion Theater at Disneyland California Adventure as Fresno Christian’s choirs waited patiently for their awards to be announced. The students and director worked diligently for seven months, leading up to their performance at the Second Baptist Church in Anaheim, April 2.
This was the culmination of the much-anticipated FCS choir trip. The trip included a four-and-a-half-hour drive to Anaheim, a nail-biting performance including multiple songs, and then a fun-filled day at Disneyland before the final award show.
The choirs performed a total of seven songs, ranging from choreographed African spirituals to acapella latin hymns, conducted by Susan Ainley and accompanied by Ben Certain.
After their performance, both the Chamber and Concert Choirs were adjudicated by a panel of three judges. The choirs received a score out of 100 points and then participated in 10-minute “clinics” where they were given specific feedback on their wide array of songs.
After waiting and watching choirs from all over the country, FC left the venue and headed back to the hotel in hopes of getting some much-needed rest for the long day ahead of them.
Senior Luke Hall has participated in Concert and Chamber Choirs for the last two years and attended the trip.
“Getting there and singing on the same day was one of my favorite parts,” Hall said. “It built a lot of comradery being in the car for so long and then singing our hearts out not to long after. It was also nice to just have some downtime at the hotel before the super long day at Disneyland.”
The morning after their performance, students woke up extra early to ensure their spot at the infamous Disneyland Rope Drop. Students spent time in Disneyland Park before switching over to Disneyland California Adventure for an even more exhilarating experience.
After many thrilling rides, delicious treats, and memories made in the parks, students packed the Hyperion Theater and waited patiently to hear their names called out during the awards ceremony. Students were also treated to live music performed by Mickey and Friends and narrated by Merlin the Wizard, who does his best to resonate with the audience through contemporary sayings and “memes” of the year.
While competing against over 50 choirs, bands, and orchestras, FCS’s choirs both received a score higher than 90 and brought home the Choral Sweepstakes Award. Chamber Choir also won the Adjudicators’ Award for the highest score out of the entire competition.
Director Susan Ainley has brought home the highest score for two years in a row, which is a record for FCS.
“Bringing that award home again was a fantastic experience, especially since it meant that we had the highest score out of all 50 groups there,” Ainley said.“It was definitely something I wasn’t expecting but more so hoping for. It was a big accomplishment.”
They also took home an individual award given to senior Maggie Phanco for her solo performance during Chamber Choir’s performance of “Great Day.”
“It was such a surprising experience,” Phanco said. “I remember he called my name when I was leaning back in my seat, and I jumped out of my chair like there was no tomorrow.”
The students returned home the following morning, carrying their trophies and plaques in hand and filled with pride from all the hard work they put in.
Local friends can watch the choirs perform on May 15 in Fresno. Location TBA.
For more from The Feather, see “Leadership invites students to a night in Gatsby’s Garden“ or “Students rise up with Musical Talent.”
