By Crystal Hayduk
Three Chelsea High School (CHS) Chamber Choir students performed with State Honors Choirs during the Michigan Music Conference (MMC) on Jan. 25.
Gavin Cagney, Emily Ideson, and Charlie Schmunk earned their parts through a demanding two-part audition process that began last October and culminated at the Regional Honors Choirs program in December.
The students rehearsed at the three-day conference, beginning on Jan. 23 at the beautiful DeVos Place in Grand Rapids.
This was Cagney’s third time participating in the State Honors Choir at MMC. A senior baritone, he and sophomore Ideson, a soprano, sang in the SATB choir, directed by Dr. Erin Colwitz, director of choral activities at Northern Michigan University.
Ideson said this was her first attempt auditioning for the State Honors Choir. “I decided to try it because Gavin said it was a great experience,” she said.
Cagney said he didn’t think it was possible to exceed his past experiences, but performing under Dr. Colwitz was “phenomenal and even better than before.
“There’s no better place to be a singer than with other people who want to sing challenging material,” said Cagney.
Ninth-grader Schmunk sang alto in the SSAA Honors Choir under the direction of Eric Reyes, assistant professor of music instruction and director of choral activities at Hope College in Holland, Michigan.
Schmunk auditioned because she wanted a new opportunity to make music. “I was in awe of the music and it was an awesome experience,” she said. “[Professor Reyes] was very sweet and passionate. He taught us new things that we can incorporate into our music every day.”
Ken Davis, CHS vocal music director, said, “To be selected for this honor is a fantastic achievement, and the students worked very diligently to prepare their own part in this ensemble.”
Students who sing in the State Honors Choirs are eligible to be chosen for the All-State Choir performance in May, but the results of that audition will not be available until late February.
About MSVMA
The Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) helps to make Honors Choirs concerts possible. “As innovative leaders in vocal music education, we provide experiences that inspire our diverse community. [MSVMA] is a non-profit that supports and encourages the expression of vocal talent and musical creativity” (https://msvma.wildapricot.org/Membership).
About MMC
This year marked the 20th annual MMC, which draws about 9,000 teachers, administrators, students, speakers, and guests for the educational sessions and concerts. “The purpose of the Michigan Music Conference is to provide relevant professional development and vibrant musical experiences that support music education for educators and their students” (https://michiganmusicconference.org/).
