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Frank Ohl Choir sings at Phantoms game
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Frank Ohl music teacher Dan Forsberg (right) asked for complete concentration as the chorus practiced the national anthem during their Feb. 22 class.
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A few Frank Ohl students showed off some of the bright personality that helped them land their gig singing in front of the Youngstown Phantoms. Striking a pose were, from left, Kaylee Novicky (front), Breanna Clinton, Jordan Thomas, and Connor Loeb (back), Samantha Vaught, Caitlyn Carreia, and Lauren Armes.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Student Alaina Bowers (center) managed to hit some high notes during a Feb. 22 choral practice before the chorus’ big performance at the Feb. 25 Youngstown Phantoms game.
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After months of practice and hundreds of renditions of the national anthem, the real thing went off without a hitch at the Feb. 25 Youngstown Phantoms game.
By SARAH FOOR
During a Feb. 23 Frank Ohl choir practice, the breaths got a little shorter, the notes a bit higher, and the voices became more intense.
The choir’s anticipation for their Feb. 25 national anthem performance at a Youngstown Phantoms hockey game, and teacher Dan Forsberg’s words, were the forces behind the change of the air in the room.
“I want you to give it your all this time. Put pride in your voice. Believe it,” Forsberg told his students before they sang the anthem again.
The rendition during their Feb. 23 practice sounded as clear and crisp as it did during their performance at the big game that Friday.
Each Frank Ohl student was given four tickets to give to family, and relatives showed up from as far away as New York and California.
Teresa Giannini, whose daughter, Makaela, sings in the choir, attended the Phantoms game to support the group.
“The choir performs at so many big events,” Giannani shared, “Makaela is always excited to be part of the group. She’s definitely going to continue singing at AMS.”
“The students have great gifts,” Forsberg said of his students. “I think it’s important that they use those gifts for service, and to give back as much as they can. We perform at schools, nursing homes, businesses in the area, and big events like this. We’re just trying to bring joy to the community.”
The choir, no stranger to the spotlight, will be performing the national anthem at a May Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park.
Because of their frequent performances, the students felt well-prepared for their Phantoms performance.
“We know the anthem so well, we could sing it backwards,” said student Jordan Thomas with a laugh.
“We’re prepared for anything,” shared Breanna Clinton. “If our voice breaks or we forget a word or two, just take a deep breath and start again,” Clinton said.