Acknowledgments:
Ms. Stoeck - Chorus Director, Mr. Barbini - Principal, Mr. Molby - Asst. Principal, Blake A., Evelyn A., Giselle A., Elanna A., Alexis A., Paige B., Victoria B., Jenna B., Hunter B., Maya B., Louise D., Sophie D., Savannah D., Jason F., Cory F., Regina G., Olivia G., Amanda G., Colin H., Reegan K., Ashley M., Aamena M., Ruby M., Valeria S., Munya N., Anjeli O., Esba O., Shagun P., Kruti P., Emma P., Ava R., Agatha R., Tyler R., Ashley R., Samantha R., Ava S., Natalie S., Katerin M., Sarah S., Shealyn S., Priya S., Aditi S., Vivian V., Eliza W., Suzanne W., and Malanie Z.5th Period Chorus Group
One of the pieces of music that was really memorable and unique, was the song that was played at the end called “'Twas the Night Before Christmas” (music by Aaron Dai and the poem for the narrator part by Clement Clarke Moore). In this one song, numerous pieces of classical Christmas music were played, making it enjoyable for both us as performers and the audience since it let people recall songs. Mr. Barbini also helped make things even more interesting by making a contribution to being the narrator of this song.
Music is a big part of our lives because it’s everywhere! The radio in your car, YouTube from your phone, background music from movies, the tune from instruments, etc. And there are many benefits and positive effects that music can result in. According to The New York Times, scientists have shown that when we listen to music, it causes the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine which results in a motivational component to reward-motivated behavior. I'm sure the audience who was listening to this was experiencing this too. That night was an achievement for the performers. They are there performing because of all of the accumulation of effort they put in during the past several years, and it’s definitely something to be proud of for them. As you listen to the wonders of music, I hope you will experience how music can impact you and be able to just thank the presence of music.
Tuesday, December 17 of 2019, the KJH choir group had three concerts. One in the morning for the KJH 8th graders, one in the afternoon for the 7th graders, and one at night for the KJH family! All the songs that the choir sang were about the journey. During the four month practice for those five amazing songs, the musical group learned so much about the journey that we face on a daily basis. In addition, we can never forget the hard work of the Conant H.S. Vocal Jazz Group. Everyone did an AWESOME job to send the message needed to the audience!
Circle of Life...................John, Rice, Zimmer and Lebo
From the Lion King. Arr. Audrey Snyder
Featuring: Emma P., Esba O., Hunter B., and Eliza W.
Sing To Bring US Together...............Jim Papoulis
Percussion: Riley Lentz
Defying Gravity.....................Stephen Schwartz
From Wicked. Arr. Roger Emerson
Soloists: Blake A., Sarah S., Agatha R., and Ava R.
Hold On.....................Traditional Spiritual
Arr. Stacey Gibbs
Featuring the Conant H.S. Vocal Jazz Group
Arr. Deke Sharon
Featuring the Conant H.S. Vocal Jazz Group
Beat boxer: Tyler R.
Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Christian minister and activist for the Civil Rights Movement. He became the most visible spokesperson and leader during the movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. This holiday is similar to those set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act which was an act of Congress. Many schools are closed because it is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King's birthday, January 15th. My hope is that I informed you more on why we have this day off in memory of Martin Luther King Jr., but more importantly that his message still rings in the ears of students who strive for equal rights.