On Saturday, February 7th, the RV Choirs, led by Grant Mech, traveled to the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral. They combined with the Marple Newtown Select and Concert Choirs, directed by Rachael Ditri, to perform multiple moving selections.
School clubs allow students to connect with other troupes, schools, or organizations in the region. In the musical arts, specifically choir, this is a rare and well-appreciated opportunity.
Meeting the Marple Newtown Choir gives RVRHS Choir members the chance to forge new friendships and improve their personal skills. RV Concert Choir member Kalleigh Dallos believes that “connecting with another school and coming together for a shared common interest creates such a welcoming environment for both first-time and returning members.”
Another student notes how, “It’s extremely rare that choirs ever get the experience of performing with an entirely separate group, so the fact that we were able to do it with a choir the caliber of Marple Newtown and in such a beautiful space like Philadelphia Episcopal was truly a blessing. Marple Newtown really pushed us to be our best selves when it came to singing. Whether it was during rehearsal or the concert itself, they set the bar high and forced us to go above and beyond. With such a challenging repertoire, I am so thankful that we were able to team up with a group that knew what they were doing and were willing to help anybody who didn’t.”
Similarly, Olivia, a member of the Marple Newtown Choir, feels like “[this] is one of my favorite concerts! The repertoire is so beautiful, you get to meet new people, and it gives you insight [into] how other directors teach certain things! The venue itself is beautiful, and it really helps me grow as a musician because it helps me hear others better than how I would in a classroom, and it helps me tune to others easier!”
The repertoire performed expressed the common theme of war and peace, with many pieces originating from the Civil War period. Notably, “Tenting on the Old Campground” by Walter Kittredge. Written in 1863, “Tenting on the Old Campground” expresses the country’s growing weariness towards the Civil War. The lyrics touch on remembrance of lost loved ones and the continual sacrifice associated with wartime.
Another piece, “Beat! Beat! Drums” by Walt Whitman, conveys a similar motif in a contrasting musical style. This work utilizes forceful dynamics and rhythm patterns to illustrate the merciless consuming traits of the Civil War. This message is exemplified through the lyrics:
“Through the windows—through doors—burst like a ruthless force,
Into the solemn church, and scatter the congregation,
Into the school where the scholar is studying.”
Whitman describes how war is a “ruthless force” that will inevitably affect all members and classes of society.
Overall, combined choir trips foster powerful friendships throughout the musical arts community. The impactful themes found in the repertoire performed encourages interest and influences students to learn and grow musically and educationally.
