The BHC Chamber Singers recently joined voices with choirs from around the state at the Illinois-ACDA University/College Sing & Share Festival at Western Illinois University-Macomb.
The non-competitive event featured choirs from Illinois Central College, Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University, Parkland College and Western Illinois University.
The festival included a solo performance by the BHC Chamber Singers and a group sing of Mendelssohn’s “Heilig” conducted by Dr. Eric Johnson.
“The opportunity to sing together in a large group, standing next to your peers from universities and college statewide, was truly special for our students,” said Dr. Irene Leites, choral music instructor.
“Not only did they get to showcase their hard work and talent in a setting that was supportive and welcoming, but they had the chance to hear some of the larger university groups and imagine themselves singing with those ensembles in their near future,” she said.
The students relished the opportunity to listen to and sing with their counterparts from around the state.
“Hearing all of the choirs from different colleges and universities was amazing. I loved singing the group piece ‘Heilig’ with everyone,” said Aftyn Morris of East Moline.
“I felt extremely connected to the other students and musicians,” said Connor McDonnell of Moline. “The music was beautiful and has given me some serious motivation to continue forward with this art.”
For Elizabeth McDonald of Davenport, the event illustrated the power of music.
“We can use our talents and our skills to help uplift others through our passion – music. We embrace the darkness because we can use it to bring others into light,” she said.
“Music is more than just some notes thrown together. It is the tune that our souls carry. It is the thing that connects us all.”
Thank you to the Quad-Cities Campus Student Government Association for sponsoring the trip.