Choir Sings Musical Numbers Past and Present

On May 4 in Thomson Chapel, Wilson College Choir captivated their audience with songs from the past and present. The choir presented a concert titled “Show Tunes of the Past and Present.” It also featured the hand bell choir and a traditional performance by Korean students.

The Wilson Choir usually has numerous performances each semester including chapel and baccalaureate and major performance at the end of the semester. The choir performance this winter was the biggest performance in the fall semester. According to Elizabeth Thorpe, director of the Wilson Choir for the past three years, the spring concert is the biggest concert each year.

“It is a kind of a showcase to show to students what we did in choir,” Thorpe said.

Six students sing soprano, eight students sing alto and four students and community members sing tenor in the choir. For this concert, the choir had been practicing since the start of this spring semester.

“It has its challenges because not everybody can be there for every practice. But I’m sure that it seems impossible without every student and their effort,” Thorpe said. “The strongest point of the Wilson Choir is definitely the students. They are so much fun to work with, and they are great group of students. They are very committed,” she added.

When the choir sang the compilation “Disney Movie Magic,” two members of the Wilson faculty joined in the performance. Professor of Biology Dr. Dana Harriger played Hercules, and Associate Dean of Academic Advising Dr. Deb Austin played Cruella Deville. Christiana Bredbenner’16 and Sarah Wain’17 performed dance routines for “There’s No Business Like Show Business” from “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from Les Misérables.

After the choir sang their finale, “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from the musical Les Misérables, the audience gave a standing ovation. The choir’s performance lingered on audiences’ minds after the concert was over.

This concert marks the end of the choir’s performances this semester, though a small group will perform at baccalaureate and graduation. In the fall, the choir will begin to prepare for Christmas Vespers.

“I just encourage students to come out and give it a try, if you love to sing. Because it is helpful for students who are busy with school work. It is nice time to step back, relax and enjoy,” Thorpe said.

For more information about Wilson choir and hand bell choir, contact Elizabeth Thorpe: elizabeth.thorpe@wilson.edu