Choir mixes up fall concert with a variety of genres

‘ ‘ ‘ The Heinz Chapel Choir will perform a variety of popular music, spirituals, classical… ‘ ‘ ‘ The Heinz Chapel Choir will perform a variety of popular music, spirituals, classical pieces and folk songs and once again delight audiences on Sunday at their annual fall concert. ‘ ‘ ‘ The Heinz Chapel Choir has become a fixture at Pitt and the surrounding community. Several times a year the choir performs in Heinz Chapel to a full house of supporters. Clearly, everyone involved takes pride in their roles. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘Choir has been a big part of my experience at Pitt,’ said Heinz Chapel Choir president Samantha Meese. ‘ ‘ ‘ The choir offers an opportunity to develop good friendships, take a break from classes and keep in touch with music, said Meese. ‘ ‘ ‘ Like other members before her, Meese said she hopes to continue to keep music in her life. She plans to continue graduate school to earn her master’s in music education and someday open a performing arts studio. ‘ ‘ ‘ As president, Meese enforces the bonds of camaraderie in her ceremonial duties that initiate new choir members during two-day retreats in the fall. ‘ ‘ ‘ The retreats and bi-weekly rehearsals allow members to hone their skills for performances later in the year, skills which their audiences greatly appreciate. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘Getting the audience to come back is the main idea,’ said director John Goldsmith. ‘We love our audiences.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ As a testament to that fact, the choir does not charge for its fall and spring concerts, but it must charge for its holiday concerts because of their extreme popularity. ‘ ‘ ‘ Otherwise, Heinz Chapel would be unable to accommodate everyone who wants to attend, Goldsmith said. ‘ ‘ ‘ The repertoire for the fall concert includes a version of ‘Ave Maria,’ a German song called ‘Abendlied,’ as well as selections from popular musicians like Paul McCartney. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘Variety is our trademark,’ said Goldsmith. ‘We mix it up a lot.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ The Heinz Chapel Choir will also sing ‘Fenyang Song,’ a Chinese folk song on Sunday, which is appropriate because the singers will travel to China after graduation. They will tour six cities, including Hong Kong, Beijing and Xian. The 15-day trip itinerary includes performing in choral concerts, visiting national monuments and absorbing Chinese culture. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘It’s somewhere I’d never get to travel on my own,’ said Meese. ‘ ‘ ‘ The members’ hard work and dedication to their craft comes through in the community’s overwhelming response to their performances, and their director agrees. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘I’m very proud of these kids,’ said Goldsmith. ‘They work their butts off.’