3 minute read
NCAIS Honors Chorus Program
Written by Eliana Spector.
A group of Upper School chorus students represented Providence Day School at the North Carolina Independent Schools (NCAIS) Honors Chorus Program for the first time since 2019.
This year’s event was held mid-October at UNC Wilmington.
The NCAIS Honors Chorus Program invited students from independent schools across the state, offering a unique opportunity to learn and perform four challenging pieces over two days. Participants also enjoyed a UNC Wilmington Chamber Singers performance and took part in a musical theater masterclass.
The eight students and Upper School Choral Director Mrs. Stephanie Smeltzer joined nearly 100 other students and chorus teachers from various independent schools Dr Aaron Peisner, the choral director at UNC Wilmington and conductor of the NCAIS Honors Chorus, led the group.
Dr Peisner conducted the first three pieces in the repertoire: Non Nobis, Domine, Verleih uns Frieden, and Peze Kafé. Students then moved to the auditorium for the musical theater masterclass, where they watched seven students perform songs from Mary Poppins, Dear Evan Hansen, The Great Gatsby, and other Broadway productions. The day concluded with another rehearsal, this time focusing on Medley from Les Misérables.
In the evening, the students had the chance to visit the beach, where they witnessed the Hunter Supermoon this year’s largest supermoon over the Wilmington shoreline.
The following morning, Dr Peisner guided students through each piece, smoothing out any rough spots. Soloists were also selected for Medley from Les Misérables.
Before long, it was time to prepare for the final performance. The students rehearsed once more, this time joined by percussionists for Peze Kafé, which brought added energy and character to the song.
The concert opened with Non Nobis, Domine by Rosephanye Powell, a rhythmic piece that builds upon repeated phrases. After a round of applause, they performed Verleih uns Frieden by Felix Mendelssohn, a German composition with a gentle, melodic sound. Next came Peze Kafé, a lively Haitian folk song with vocal percussion and rhythms enhanced by the percussionists using clave sticks and drums.
The performance concluded with Medley from Les Misérables, arranged by Ed Lojeski, which was a crowd favorite. The soloists’ voices soared, bringing the musical to life and earning another round of applause. It was an educational and enjoyable experience for all who participated.
