On February 2, 2024, the Bel Canto and Concert Choirs performed at the 9th annual MLK Concert presented by the City of Orlando and the Orlando Mayor Buddy at the Doctor Philip Center in the Steinmetz Hall.
Directing and production of the concert was by former West Orange choir teacher, and Grammy Award Winner, Dr. Jefferey Redding. Joining our fellow choir members were 3 other high schools, the University of Central Florida Choir, and the Orlando Choral Society.
The concert theme this year was “Through the storm, I need you to survive!”. The concerts consisted of 16 songs, ranging from gospel songs like Total Praise by Richard Smallwood, to even pop songs like Africa by Toto.
There was much hard work going into this event. In preparation for this event, our school choir had to learn 8 different songs, spending about 2 weeks learning the music. The day before the concert they had a 4-hour rehearsal and on the day of the event they had an all-day rehearsal till the performance.
During the rehearsal of the concerts, the students were assigned different seats. They also did a couple of run-throughs of their music to make sure everyone knew it. The chorus was able to mingle and exchange different tips on singing.
During the performance the energy was high and the students were having such a fun time enjoying themselves.
The whole experience was amazing and a once in a-lifetime,” Jarilyn Valdez senior said. “Everyone sang so beautifully, and seemed so happy to be there. I can definitely say I loved my experience there, and it will be my hope to go back and do it all over again.”
In all the concert was phenomenal, the choral department definitely represented how amazing West Orange’s musical arts department is.
