CHOIR NEWS

If you think back to any team or organization you have ever been a part of, you will likely recall some people were leaders. Sports teams have leaders. Some of these leaders are team captains, some are coaches. Some people become leaders based on their energy and focus. Energy and focus are characteristics that describe the 2016-2017 Lester Prairie Varsity Choir, a group filled with leaders.

In the spring of 2016 The LP Varsity choir, made up of singers from grades 9-12 performed Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody”. It was a monuments work that gained a well deserved standing ovation. The soloist Logan Groff remarked, “Bohemian Rhapsody focused the choir.” And yes, it did. Logan’s performance and vocal abilities were a great source of this focus. When you speak of leadership, his leadership is one of inspiration. It’s the kind of leadership that is game changing.

Fast forward 10 months and the Lester Prairie Varsity Choir found itself performing in it’s first Large Group Vocal contest in 20 years. The song they brought to the Watertown Performing Center was ‘Shut De Do’, a traditional American spiritual. The song has a great deal of energy and excitement. Director David Rue comments, “This song demands a lot, you’ve got to have the right singers and soloists to pull it off. The great thing about this year’s choir is their ability to focus. And, I’m proud of what they gave to this song.” The LP Varsity Choir came out of Watertown with three ‘Excellent’ ratings. Alysha Curtis remarked “It felt great to be recognized. We worked hard.” 

Building on the success Mr. Matthew Abernathy, a New York born music director at the Minnesota Opera, came out to work with the Varsity Choir. Lauren Trittabaugh states, “It helped us. It was fun and interesting.”

Things continue to look up for the LP Varsity Choir. This year’s spring concert features both ‘Shut De Do’ and a contemporary piece by Jake Runestad called ‘Nyon Nyon’. The song is the choir’s most challenging by far. But, as with every song, new leaders are emerging. Ruby Lezama puts it this way, “It’s not easy that’s for sure. But, it’s fun and challenge to over come.” True words from another of the Lester Prairie Varsity Choir’s many leaders

Visiting Musician Mr. Matthew Abernathy from the Minnesota Opera