Chorus Prepares for MPA by Cadie Critchfield
Every music class had to prepare for their music performance assessments, or their MPA. Chorus prepared by having after school rehearsals on Mondays before their assessment. Sophomore DeCornell Burks and junior Camden Martingano had both been to MPA before, and were excited to learn and practice their new music. “In the past, MPA has been one of my favorite concerts, because it can be stressful with all the rehearsing to make it just right, but when we finally get it and it comes together it’s all worth it.” said Burks. Even with all the stress that Burks and Martingano know comes with MPA, they both know it's definitely worth it in the end.
Both Burks and Martingano agreed that their music was coming together nicely. “We all are working really hard to make Mrs Taylor and Mrs Lane proud” said Burks. With this hard work, the chorus program was piecing together the makings for a great concert. Martingano said, “I'm always shocked at how good we sound.” When the music started to come together it became more and more fun to sing. With hard work and dedication in their rehearsals the chorus program was ready to blow their MPA judges away.
Even though Burks and Martingano loved all their songs they were practicing at their rehearsals, they had favorites. When singers really love a song, it makes it so much more rewarding when the concert goes well. Its important to like singing and put in effort for your group. Burks said, “My favorite song this year is a tie between “Sing Me to Heaven” and “I am Not Yours”, I like both of these songs because they both convey strong meanings and I love the overall sound of them." Songs had deep meaning for Burks, and practicing music that he really loved at these Monday rehearsals was something he really enjoyed. Martingano said, “My favorite song for MPA this year is “Joy”, it's a complex song which is my favorite type to sing… joy is something I feel a lot when winging with these people in our choir, so I'm excited to be able to be joyful with all my friends."
To prepare for MPA they had to practice all types of performances they would be doing. For chorus MPA they had to sight-read melodic and rhythmic exercises, which tested their ability to read and understand new and challenging music. Both Burks and Martingano said they were better at rhythmic exercises, but Martingano said, “I prefer melodic exercises because it is more fun to sing." Even though everyone had their own strengths and weaknesses in the choir, going to the Monday rehearsals helped them get better together as a group. Every choir is built on a foundation of friendship and a love for singing, and when Mel High Chorus got together for their rehearsal they truly made magic. It reminded Burks and Martingano of why they joined chorus in the first place. “I joined chorus because I wanted to sing with people and thought it would be fun, it definitely beat my expectations,” said Burks. Through these rehearsals Mel High Chorus became more and more ready for MPA.