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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.The Canfield chamber ensemble performed “Wana Baraka,” a Kenyan folk song arranged by Shawn L. Kerchner, under the direction of Kelly Scurich.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Under the direction of Canfield High School Choir Director Kelly Scurich, the concert choir performed “Tanzen und Springen” (Dancing and Springing) by Hans Leo Hassler at the school’s annual spring concert on May 24.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.The One Octave higher choir, under the direction of Kelly Scurich, performed during the school’s choir concert on May 24.
By ABBY SLANKER
The Canfield High School choral department had its annual spring concert on May 24.
Under the direction of Choir Director Kelly Scurich, the concert choir, One Octave Higher choir and Canfield chamber ensemble performed several songs for a large audience of family and friends.
The evening started with the recognition of the 35 senior members of the choirs, with a senior processional during which students were escorted to the stage by parents and family members, while Scurich announced them and said a few words about each student. On stage, a current photo and childhood photo was displayed of each student.
“These seniors are very driven and very talented. They love music and they have the desire to perform music with excitement. They can and will achieve what they set their minds to. They have definitely left their mark on Canfield High School, in a positive way,” Scurich said.
The concert began with the concert choir singing “Tanzen und Springen” (Dancing and Springing) by Hans Leo Hassler. The choir then performed “Love is Like the Risin‘ of the Sun” by Lloyd Larson. The choir closed their portion of the concert with “Seize the Day,“ from “Newsies,“ by Alan Menken.
Following the concert choir’s performance, senior soloist Samantha Morris performed “Broken Vessels/Amazing Grace” by Houston/Myrin.
Next to perform was the One Octave Higher choir, and in introducing them, Scurich told the audience they had a very successful year.
“The were the only two choirs which received unanimous superior ratings from the judges at our recent competition. And they were the One Octave Higher choir and Canfield chamber ensemble,” Scurich said.
The choir started with “Fair Phyllis” by John Farmer. Next, the choir performed “Cerf-Volant” by Christophe Barratier and Bruno Coulais, with Kite Flying Soloist Allison Leone. The choir closed their performance with “Diamonds are a Girl‘s Best Friend” by Jule Styne, with Soloist Emma Kadilak.
Following the One Octave Higher choir’s performance, senior soloist Cara DeChurch performed “A Change in Me” from “Beauty and the Beast” by Alan Menken.
The Canfield chamber ensemble then took the stage and began with “Wana Baraka,” a Kenyan folk song arranged by Shawn L. Kerchner. The choir continued with “Fields of Gold” by Sting and arranged by Jasperse and closed with “Another Day of Sun,” from “La La Land,“ by Justin Hurwiz.
Following the Canfield chamber ensemble choir’s performance, senior soloist Jonathan Scurich performed “Sometimes” by Henry Mancini.
Before the final performances of the evening, an awards presentation took place, with several students being recognized and honored, including Haley Tura, the winner of the Steven Snodgrass Scholarship, which is given by the Canfield Choral Boosters.
All choirs then took the stage together to perform “Africa” by Toto, arranged by Emerson.
To end their spring concert, with all choirs together, in keeping with tradition, alumni who had studied under Scurich who were in attendance were invited to join the choirs on stage to perform “Battle Hymn of the Republic” arranged by Peter Wilhousky. The performance featured Sam Accordino, Ikra Anwar, Jared Cross, Justus Freeman, Michael Hartman, Victor Labra, Dylan Mauch, Elijah Mt. Castle, Jonathan Scurich and Colin Syrianoudis.
Choreographer for the concert was Scurich, with Ronnie Sue Gregory, Courtney Larson and Tim Elder serving as accompanists. Cara DeChurch and Jonathan Scurich served as a student conductors, with Jeff Mentzer in charge of sound and lighting.
Student accompanists included Carmel Cerimele, Andrew Crans, Grace Li, Jessica Lee, Jonathan Scurich and Abigail Stilson, with Troy Tyson, Stephen Ley and Alex Davison, Justin Tura, Brianna Remias and Ethan Scalzo serving as instrumentalists.
A reception took place following the concert to honor the choir students.