A Concert at the Capitol
By Eric Connors, Jr.
Picture yourself singing in a choir of 150 singers under a massive dome of gray and white marbled stone, 252 feet high, weighing 52 million pounds. It is difficult to describe the dynamic of singing in a large choir in this environment—it must be experienced to be fully appreciated. Fifteen of our students participated in this experience when they qualified for KCEA’s All-State Choir. They performed two public concerts in the Harrisburg Capitol Rotunda.
Students began their preparation in September, as each one began learning the ten choral selections. In late October, students recorded portions of these pieces as an audition for entry into the choir. The students, who were selected by KCEA, traveled to Harrisburg in November for the Thursday through Saturday event of rehearsals and concerts with other Christian school students from across the state of Pennsylvania. Mr. Darrell Bevis, from Pillsbury Baptist Bible College, was the guest conductor. Here is a brief summary of our trip:
Thursday—A Day of Expectancy
1:15 p.m. Depart UBCS for Harrisburg with our chauffeur, Mr. Dave Paul.
3:30 p.m. Check in to Red Roof Inn. (Dee and Amy “break” their room door within 5 minutes after arrival. Pastor Connors “fixes” in 10 seconds.)
4:00 p.m. Dinner at Bob Evans. (Some students really had to woof it down!)
5:06 p.m. Depart from restaurant for rehearsal at Hummelstown church.
5:37 p.m. After several detours, students arrive at the site for a night of singing. Our task is to take 10 pieces of music and prepare them for a vibrant and energetic concert in which all 150 singers present the music as one voice.
9:00 p.m. Rehearsal ends and candy bar snacks are dispensed, adding to the general effervescent (and chaotic) mood of the students. (Pastor and Mrs. Connors are going to have their hands full.)
9:26 p.m. Back at the Red Roof. Now begins the task of managing the energy and excitement of 15 teenagers.
Friday—A Long Day
7:00 a.m. Breakfast at McDonald’s
9:00 a.m. Rehearsal begins with a devotional, and singing resumes. Students rehearse throughout the day with short breaks and meals in between. The day ends with testimonies from students of how the great texts of the choral pieces affected their personal lives. This was a special time of reflection on what matters most.
8:30 p.m. We are done for the day!
9:00 p.m. Red Roof saga continues.
Saturday—The Big Day
8:00 a.m. After another McDonald’s Breakfast, we depart for the Harrisburg Capitol Rotunda. The students did a great job of being on time this year!
8:45 a.m. After getting through security, the singers line up on the steps of the Capitol Rotunda. Students now experience singing in a space in which all the sound reverberates for 6-8 seconds after the sound is initiated. This is our last opportunity to really focus our minds and voices before the concerts.
11:00 a.m. The first concert begins after various students present instrumental prelude pieces. Our own Elizabeth Harris was selected to play a piano selection. The first concert was great, but after singing 10 pieces, students will need to refuel their energy!
Time for lunch.
12:00 p.m. Feasting on subs is KCEA’s traditional Saturday lunch plan for All-State Choir.
1:30 p.m. The final concert is presented to a packed out audience of family and friends. Spectators are able to hear the choir from the floor or from the 1st circular balcony above the choir. The magnificence of the architecture and sound make for a stunning concert.
3:00 p.m. Mr. Bill Bright is our new chauffeur as we depart for Sellersville.
5:00 p.m. We’re back! Time for a good night’s rest!
As always, All-State Choir was a very memorable, satisfying, and growing experience for students and director alike. As I reflect on the experience, I am reminded that God has given us a wonderful gift in music. It is a gift ordained for the praise of our great God, and for the edification of His people. This gift is not merely utilitarian. It is also a gift that a good God has made to be beautiful and pleasurable for people, because it displays something of the character and glory of a God who is the author of human creativity.