“Solo singing is very different than group singing, and this concert gives students in our program an opportunity to explore that style of singing and to choose their own music,” Performing Arts Teacher and Choir Director Paul Keilbach Said.
Students from Vocal Ensemble, Wolverine Singers, and Madrigals were all eligible to audition. Each participant selected and prepared a song independently before their audition. Keilbach, alongside Accompanist Christopher Wong evaluated the auditions and selected the final performers. Once chosen, students had three coaching sessions to help refine their performances- two with faculty and one with an outside voice teacher.
After preparation, students took the stage to showcase their weeks of work.
“The show went very well. The performers handled all the elements of a live performance well, and they gave great performances,” Keilbach said.
For many students, performing solo was a new challenge.
“To sing as a soloist can be extremely nerve-wracking,” Eric Kim ‘28 said. “I remember how nervous I was before and when it was my turn to walk onto stage”
Despite the nerves, the performance became easier as students settled into their music.
“Once I sang through the first few measures, I began to converge my rhythm with the rhythm of the piano,” Kim said. “From then on, I just allowed myself to sing out to the audience.”
Overall, the event served as both a learning experience and a moment of accomplishment.
“I felt so proud to watch the students sing after seeing all their hard work,” Keilbach said. “I hope the audience enjoyed and appreciated the effort the students put into developing their art.”
