The Olds High School (OHS) choir performed at the 2012 Alberta Provincial Music Festival last Thursday in Edmonton.
This year was the first time since 2008 that the choir had received a provincial recommendation at the Olds and District Kiwanis Music Festival.
Choir director Karri Anderson says that the choir's bigger size has been a key factor in its success.
“We are closer to 30 in volume, compared to a few years ago, where we had 12 members,” she said.
“It really has given us a nice boost with volume and with confidence.”
The choristers rehearsed the songs Simple Gifts and Deo Gratias every Wednesday for close to two hours in preparation for provincials.
Moreover, she had a clinician come in and work with the choristers.
The performed songs were chosen with help from an outsider.
“We had to choose certain pieces initially to compete here at our Kiwanis festival. There's a specific list of song choices,” said Anderson.
“From there, our adjudicator, who nominated us, recommended two pieces that we take to provincials.”
OHS student and pianist Mary Nielsen has been playing with the choir for the past two years. She also made the trip to Edmonton, missing a day of school, much to her happiness.
“We are very excited about going to provincials,” she said.
“It's pretty prestigious to go to provincials.”
Both Anderson and Nielsen hope the choir did well in Edmonton.
“The goal I guess is just to have a great performance,” said Anderson.
“It's our first time going so I don't really know what to expect. I am just happy to be part of it.”
She also received the good news that the choir was up for some scholarships.
“We can win some money to go towards our music program,” said Anderson.
The winners of the 2012 Alberta Provincial Music Festival will be announced later this month.
The OHS choir will have one last performance before the end of class. They will sing at the OHS band concert, which will be held on June 6 at the TransCanada Theatre.
