At the end of each school year, the choral department presents a spring concert showcasing songs from decades, eras and musicals. The Jazz: the American Art Form concert will take place in Ground Zero at 7 P.M., May 15.

For the past three weeks, choir members have prepared for the upcoming concert. Six-year performer Lorin Weskamp, ’08, anticipates the event.

?I really think it is going to be exciting because we have a good group this year,? Weskamp said. ?It will be meaningful since it is my last, and everybody should come. We are not just singing regular choir songs; it is good music from the old days. I like the songs because they have a jive that you can really get into and lose yourself in the beat.?

For some, choir remains a lifelong commitment. Tyler Combs, ’10, has participated in choir for 10 years.

?I am excited for the concert because I love to make music,? Combs said. ? (Frank Sinatra’s) Fly Me To the Moon is my favorite song because I love the jazzy swing to it. I sang it before and it really hooked me.?

Choir director Aaron Bryan chose a jazz theme due to a personal love of the genre. He believes the show is guaranteed to be a hit for music fans of all ages.

?We will be singing classic jazz songs that everyone knows,? Bryan said, ?timeless songs that will make you laugh, smile and possibly even tear up. The choirs have been working very hard to put this concert together. I believe that the choirs have grown by working on this literature ? something that doesn?t usually happen in preparation for the end of the year concert.?

Band students also prepare for their upcoming concert at the Riverpark Bible Church?s old sanctuary, at 7 P.M., May 16. Alto saxophone player and majorette Jessica Massie, ’11, joined band due to a love of music.

?I like seeing the notes on the page and interpreting it into music people can enjoy,? Massie said. ?I am looking forward to the concert with all my heart. This year, I have gone from playing a junior high?s level three to high school music, which is a major feat.?

In his first year on campus, band director James Loomis conducts the four bands which will perform, including the elementary, junior high jazz, high school jazz and concert bands.

?Each group has worked tremendously hard to learn their music this year,? Loomis said. ?I think the biggest improvement has been the band coming together as a team ? we?ve all gotten to know one another and learned to listen and make music together. Anybody can make sound but it takes a lot of concentrated effort to be able to craft music.?

The concert band will perform songs such as Midst the Storm and Ammerland, while the junior high and elementary bands perform Ants in the Pants, Magma and others.

“Music is a big part of FC,” Tim DeGroot, ’11, said. “Choir and band members go to all sporting events and support the other groups at school. Plus, we have worked very hard so come support the music program.”