Final MAD Choir Concert

 The senior finals continued with the last choir concert on May 22.  This was the spring pops concert, which always features solos and ensembles (students audition to perform) along with performances by all of the choirs and finally a tribute to the seniors.  This is also the longest concert of the year, which includes an intermission.  The first set is the underclassmen performances.  The second set features senior solos intermixed with choir performances.  Mrs. Latimer joined us for the marathon choir event (it started at 6:30 PM and we didn't get home until 10 PM).  The show did not disappoint!

It should be noted that the first pops concert Anna participated in was her sophomore year since there were no live performances due to COVID her freshman year.  What was memorable about the show, besides students performing in masks, was the ominous music choices by solo performers.  The songs were mostly angst ridden and sad - very fitting for the time.  This concert was striking for the variety of music and the upbeat nature.  There was so much talent on display with music choices ranging from Broadway to R&B to gospel to opera to one student singing her own composition and another performing her song in sign language.  Also included were many other musicians from Madison accompanying their friends (keyboard, guitars, drums...).  One student even had her mom as a back-up singer to an awesome rendition of "Something's Got a Hold on Me."  It was fantastic to watch.

Anna originally planned to be part of a quartet with friends, but they were unable to audition after one person was injured in the school musical the prior weekend (no joke).  Fortunately, Mrs. Rowen, the choir director, made sure Anna got to perform a solo with the Madrigals in Till There Was You.  Her choir also performed Build Me Up Buttercup, along with a beautiful version of Light of a Clear Blue Morning (they will be singing this at graduation) and All of Me.  The grand finale of the concert is when any choir alumni join with existing choir members on the stage to perform Thank You for the Music.  It was impressive to see all of the current and former students on the stage.

The final part of the evening was senior recognition.  This year was one of the largest classes with 39 seniors.  Mrs. Rowen made a point to say that every parent needs to know how awesome their kids are, and she was going to take as much time as needed to do just that.  She then proceeded to go through each student and say something unique about them and what they contributed.  Students received a rose for each year they were in choir (4 for Anna) along with a pitch pipe to take with them.  Anna was lauded for her ability to be herself, laid back approach, sense of humor, and as a talented musician.  

Anna was so fortunate to have great music teachers throughout school, including Mrs. Prince at St. Mark, Mr. Reynolds with the Vienna Jammers, Gabriella Pisacreta as her voice instructor and Mrs. Rowen as the choir director at Madison.  Not only did she enhance her musical skills, but she also met great people (Mrs. Rowen has the choir members right positive notes to each other at the end of the year - how great is that?)  These were truly places she enjoyed being.  Hopefully she can find that same joy and awesome community when she heads off to VCU in the fall!

A hug from Mrs. Rowen