Governor's School Seniors Recitals

      It is always an exhilarating experience to hear the students of the Governor's School sing at the Senior Vocal Recital and on June 7, 2005 at Chandler Hall we did just that. Ten graduating students sang thirty solos songs and then joined together to give a rousing Make Our Garden Grow from Leonard Bernstein's Candide. Chairman of the Department of Vocal Music and voice teacher Alan Fischer expressed it well: "It is like having ten of your own children graduate together." The tears of celebration and parting on stage and off as they took their bows bound us together as a community of celebrants.

      Erika Boney, in a lovely, high soprano voice, sang The Singer by Michael Head (1900-1976). The text of this song, new to this listener, is a love song, including the line: "His eyes were changeful as the sea." She will be at VCU in the fall.

      Ashley Burroughs was a first place winner in the statewide Bland Music Competition in 2005. Her rich voice had a mature sound in Song to the Moon from Rusalka by Antonin Dvorák. She will attend Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh next year.

      Jeremy Crum favored German lieder in his selections and was excellent in Tit Willow (The Mikado) by Gilbert and Sullivan. We could understand every word. He is undecided about next year but committed to sharing what he has learned in his high school music experience, whatever he chooses to do.

      Catrice Farmer, who created the role of Dido in the November 19, 2004 GSA production of Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell, reprised When I Am Laid in Earth. Though I was impessed with all of her selections, I loved best the bluesy, cabaret energy of Margaret Bonds' Lord, I Just Can't Keep from Crying.

      Abbey Harr, who has a perfect voice for Glitter and Be Gay from Bernstein's Candide, also sang La Violette by Scarlatti. Our friend Shirley Thompson said it best: "That is the best I've ever heard anyone do that song." Miss Harr will attend Wheaton College Conservatory of Music.

      Ashley Koncz, who is a good actress, was very fine in Sondheim's Sooner or Later. The song opens with rich low notes, gradually opening upward. Musical theater seems a natural fit for her talents at this time. Her plans include attending Hartt College of Music this fall.

      Nichole Lewis sang Dat's Love from Carmen Jones by Bizet/Hammerstein in a most convincing performance and in a rich, deep seductive voice. George Mason University is her destination this fall.

      Adam Richardson is an expressive singer with a beautiful vocal tone. My favorite selection was On the Street Where You Live from My Fair Lady by Lerner and Lowe. The song opens as if Adam were a bass but his voice becomes a smooth, sweet baritone as the song developes. He will attend Carnegie-Mellon University.

      Katelyn Sexton opened the recital with all three of her selections. My comment was "high voice, high spirits." Victor Herbert's Art is Calling for Me completed her set and she plans to follow that calling at George Mason this fall.

      Allyson Wolf, who played the role of the Sorceress in Dido and Aeneas in the GSA fall performance of Purcell's opera, floated some lovely high notes in her selections. This was especially impressive in Ombra mai fu by Handel. She is headed to Longwood University.

      The graduating class of 2005 came together to present a thrilling performance of Bernstein's Make Our Garden Grow featuring Ms. Burroughs and Mr. Richardson in the leading roles. These young people have an incredibly good foundation to build on, developed by their experience with the devoted vocal staff in the vocal music department: Alan Fischer, department chair and voice teacher; Robert Brown, chorus director, voice teacher.and tonight's superb accompanist; Carin Cowell, acting and voice teacher; Karen Hoy, voice teacher; Charlene Marchant, diction and voice teacher; Michael Regan, chorus, coach and theory.

GSA Spring Scenes Concert

      On May 7th at Chandler Hall we heard the Spring Scenes Concert, featuring vocal music students at all grade levels. The program opened with the Women's Ensemble directed by Dr. Lee Tepley who also teaches music theory at GSA. Two madrigals were followed by Rosemary, by Randall Thompson, a choral cycle of three songs sung without pause: Chemical Analysis, A Sad Song and A Nonsense Song. It was whimsical fun with much emotional expression.

      There followed scenes (accompanied by Mr. Brown or Mr. Regan) from Don Giovanni, The Elixir of Love, Hansel & Gretel, Carmen, The Magic Flute, Le Comte Ory and The Merry Widow. The Ballad of Baby Doe by American composer Douglas Moore, featured four first year students in Act One's What do you intend to do, Augusta? Next season the question will be answered when the GSA performs the fully staged opera the second week in May.

      It is such fun to watch these young people grow and change year by year. What they lack in experience and polish they make up for in energy and enthusiasm.

      This season's opera was Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, fully staged and with the vocal student body making up the chorus. Their singing was first rate and the dancers, costumes and staging created a moving theatrical experience.

      Other plans for the 2005-2006 season include two Black Box Theater productions of a cabaret style jazz evening and a Liederabend. See our Calendar for full details as they become available.