Bluejays vocalists sing the day away

On Oct. 10, 80 high school tenors and basses gathered at Southwest Baptist University for a day of extraordinary music-making.

It was the second annual Tenor and Bass Choral Festival. Last year it was held at Evangel University last year under the direction of Chandler Cooper. It headed by the Marshfield Director of Choirs, Juliana Pyle who is always looking for more interested High School Choral programs.

Attending the event this year included Bolivar, Fordland, Fair Grove, Gloria Deo Academy, Lebanon, Marshfield, New Covenant Academy, School of the Ozarks, and Stockton. Of the 80 students who participated, 18 were from the Marshfield High School Choral Department, some of whom shared their thoughts on the day.

"Overall, the whole event was really enjoyable, with all the fun music we got to sing and the people we got to meet. I was very glad to be a part of it," said Senior Bass Aaron Coleman from the MHS Choral Dept.

Overseeing the event was Clinician Derek Meler, a doctoral student from Southern Mississippi University, with local accompanist Hayden Pyle on piano.

"The clinician had to be my favorite," said Sophomore Tenor Reagyn Fraizer. "The way he put passion into everything we talked about was very awe-inspiring for me. It brought our school's voices together to make one voice. That was one of the best feelings you feel when singing with others. The best part of the festival had to be the songs. The songs were so musically diverse. I loved how every song put a different emotion into it."

They started the morning with the 80 tenors and basses meeting for the first time. After exchanging pleasantries, the students rehearsed all day. They ended the day with a powerful concert open to the public. After the show ended and the cheers faded, every student left with memories they will soon not forget.

"The tenor and bass festival was an awesome way to meet new people and learn from new directors. Everyone was very nice and welcoming. Learning new styles of music and expressing the emotions behind them was definitely my favorite part!" said Junior Tenor Tara Snow.

"The highlight of the day for me was learning "Until I Found The Lord." It was a really powerful song, and the beginning made it sound like our choir had doubled. It was such a fun experience, and just having a day of nonstop choir was good enough for me. All the directors were super nice and professional. We also got to hear the SBU choir sing, which was really exciting and gave me goosebumps," said Sophomore Tenor Rossiana Reid.

"Overall, I found the festival to be very beneficial for Marshfield Tenor's and Basse's. I can't wait to do it again in the years to come." Sophomore Fraier, who said it best.