Exploring the World of Choir

By Amos Koay

Two weeks ago, from September 28 through October 1, a group of high schoolers in choir were invited to the Bangkok International Choir Festival. 

There were many schools from all around Asia that were invited to this festival. Among many other schools, Dalat had a fantastic opportunity to be conducted by Carrie Tennant. Carrie Tennant, Vancouver Youth Choir's founder and artistic director, helped everyone prepare for the concert in just one and a half days. 

Sammy Jung (12) said, "Her style of conducting was none like anyone has ever seen. She used very useful hand motions to help us get better in tune. As a result, we sang better as a whole choir." 

Carrie Tennant used many different hand motions and tools, like a ball, to help the choir understand more about how singing works. Not only did it help them improve significantly, but it also resulted in a more fun practice. Her unmatched passion and skills inspired every student to get better.  

Not only did the choir trip help everyone improve their singing techniques, but it also helped everyone bond. Anna Ruble (12), said, "It was fun to interact with people that I do not normally see a lot at school." This trip provided an opportunity for students from different grades on the trip to connect with one another. 

Grades from 9-12 were able to bond closely as each room had a diverse distribution. The friendships made on this trip would never have happened on a typical day in school. Not only were the students able to connect with Dalat students, but they could also connect with other schools like Grace International School. 

The Bangkok International Choir Festival trip was a great way to learn more about singing and to bond. Students on the trip were able to create unforgettable memories inside the choir room and outside of it as well.