Choir Class of 2020, We Love You
Just in case you forgot
Class of 2020, as we have heard some difficult developments affecting you this year, I would like to take a moment to recognize you. I know this is hard, and it hurts, and I can’t begin to understand how it feels to have your Senior Year look like this. There are traditions and expectations that may be fulfilled, and thats sad. Its okay to be sad. But I would love to take a bit of time to brag about you and all that you have done here. Lets start a new tradition. A tradition where I compile your 4 year run at Barlow in a big newsletter sent to hundreds of people, and maybe that will attempt to lessen the pain all this has caused. This pandemic doesn’t make you any less special. You are still an extraordinary class, and I want to brag about you! Choir is a big department, and there are a lot of Seniors. 34 to be exact. And I want to recognize each and every one of you. Those students include: Jarod Bratton, Christopher Laney, Steven Overton, Dakota Ross, Autumn Johnson, Nathan Reighelt, Amber Adams, Austin Archuletta, Sarah Beckers, Zarina Belonozhko, Sarah Broussard, Jennifer Coffman, Bryce Coverdale, Cameron Crammer, Elora Engel, Fenix Fischer, Joceline Garcia, Kelly Giorgi, Ethan Golden, Dustin Gundmeyer, Jacob Harper, Dana Huber, Danica Mangum, Luis McGeehee, Gracie Mcnight, Kiera McPherson, Jerrott Mendoza, Melody Millhollon, Mickayla Richey, Kate Rosales, Epiphany Scott, Kyleigh Turcotte, and Jordana Young. So if you’re ready, lets do this
Bruin & Treble Choir
Advanced Treble Choir
Concert Choir
Barlow Sound
There is one last choir that is open for audtions from people in Concert Choir. That being Barlow Sound. Way back in the day, Barlow Sound was more of a “show choir”, but over the years has morphed into a group focused more on a capella music, as well as complicated vocal arrangements. It is always fun to see what Barlow Sound has come up with at each concert. I know I am for sure waiting to see what they do!
Concert Choir Retreat
Once students make it into Concert Choir, they are able to go on Choir Retreat. Choir Retreat is a remarkably unique experience our students get to have once they make it into Concert Choir. Retreat is an overnight trip in which the choir participates in team-building activities, rehearsals, the “No Talent Show” and something called boundary breaking. Boundary Breaking is a beautiful and raw way to form deep connections with those in your group. Each group is led by a member of the Choir Committee, and is designed to provide a more intimate understanding of one another through a series of questions asked to the small groups. There is a strict rule about maintaining confidentiality, to ensure everyone feels safe to share what is on their hearts. Those small groups are then kept throughout the year, and students are given opportunities to check in with their BB groups during class. Along with that, Retreat provides time to rehearse the current pieces, and usually include a technician working with the choir for a chunk of time. There is also time set aside for big group activities like yarn weaving, which has been happening at Retreat for years and years. (I even did it)
Holiday Concert
Canada - 2019
A really exciting opportunity that is available to students once they reach Concert Choir is Choir Tour. In March of 2019 members of Concert Choir departed on what would prove to be an amazing trip to Victoria, Canada. Our students had unbelievable opportunities while there, including getting to sing in the Parliament Building, touring the University of Victoria, and visiting the Craigdarroch Castle. Along with this of course, they were able to explore the beautiful city of Victoria and have as much fun as they could fit in just a few days. Choir tours are always such an enriching experience, and with this one being across the border, it was even moreso.
Spring Sing
Our New Tradition
xoxo - heidi
Heidi Thies on Behalf of the Barlow VIPS
Email: barlowvips@yahoo.com
Website: www.barlowvips.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barlowvips/