Second Year of Show Choir Takes Musical Theatre To Next Level

Encore’s Show Choir made quite a good showing in its first year. In each of the four sessions, students tackled a variety of exciting repertoire ranging from chart-topping songs by Adele to classic musical theatre numbers from South Pacific and everything in between. Given the experimental nature of the program, some of the song choices were fairly ambitious. But I firmly believe that the only way for students to improve is to be constantly challenged with material that is unfamiliar to them and asks them to do things they have never done before. Last season, I was constantly impressed by the students’ ability rise to whatever challenge Kelsey and I threw at them. Whether it was the tricky counterpoint in a song from Wicked or Kelsey’s choreographic interpretation of Sara Bareilles’ lyrics, the Show Choir never failed to impress, often with chill-inducing results.

“You Could Drive a Person Crazy” from Company was perhaps the greatest test of the Show Choir’s skill. The girls were challenged on every level imaginable; Stephen Sondheim’s complex harmonies and Michael Bennett’s intricate choreography needed to be imbued with dramatic purpose. Professional actors struggle with this material. But thanks to their hard work, the Show Choir demonstrated that there is nothing they can’t do. Helping them learn and bring to life one of my favorite songs from the musical theatre cannon is by far my favorite memory from last year.

Particularly surprising was the discovery that these teenagers loved singing classical musical theatre songs. I did not expect the kind of enthusiasm as the girls displayed when we gave them “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair,” yet it seems to me that it was one of their favorite numbers.

This year, students can expect to be challenged with a similar blend of musical theatre and dramatic pop songs as they were before. Now that I know that Encore’s student can tackle Sondheim, I’ll be looking for even more opportunities to introduce them to more challenging pieces of music from the vast repertoire of musical theatre. We will also be working to incorporate more of the students’ input in song selection, which will not only increase their enjoyment, but also expand the ensemble’s repertoire.

The biggest change is that we will be implementing a new two-semester format. Two semester-long sessions will replace last year’s four short quarter-long sessions. This increased rehearsal time will allow Kelsey and I to teach more material to a more committed set of students. It will foster better relationships between the instructors and the students, thus creating the potential for greater growth not just for the ensemble as a whole, but for each individual student.

I have been thrilled to be a part of Encore’s Show Choir, and I cannot wait to see what this season has in store!

-Best,
Douglas Ullman, Jr.

Read our Press Release Find Your Beat, Show Your Light!