mhs choirs

MHS choir to perform at regional music conference

REXBURG -- The Madison High School Bel Canto Choir will be traveling to Spokane, Wash., on Friday to perform at the Northwest Music Educators Conference.

The conference, sponsored by the Washington Music Educators Association "promotes educational resources for music educators and students in our public and private schools and colleges," according to the WMEA Web site.

Participants for the conference are chosen by audition. The MHS Choir sent in an audition tape last spring, and the choir students were pleasantly surprised when they were invited to the conference, said MHS Director of Choirs David Hinck.

"The students are both excited and anxious for the performance," said Hinck. "It's an honor to perform at this conference, and we are going to put our best foot forward."

Hinck also said the conference provides his students with the opportunity to listen and learn from other participant choirs and share "what they do," with other choirs.

The MHS Bel Canto Choir will perform five pieces of music during its 25-minute performance, including a song entitled "Past Life Melodies," a song that consists of tones and sounds rather than words.

The choir will also attend workshops and performances of other schools in attendance.

Hinck said that choir members will spend an entire day with the Whiteworth University Choir getting tips on how to improve their performance and sound.

The Northwest Music Educators Conference will be held over a three-day period at the end of this week.

The trip has been paid for by students, with the high school pitching in for travel expenses.

The MHS Bel Canto Choir will be giving the same performance for local residents on March 18. The event will be held at MHS, and admission is free.

NATE SUNDERLAND

nsunderland@uvsj.com