HHS Choir Goes to Chicago!
Earlier this month, the Hillsborough High School Choir embarked on a trip to Chicago to participate in the annual World Stride’s Festival of Gold. This exclusive event invited qualifying schools from around the world to showcase their musical talents. Last year, HHS Choir competed in Montreal, Canada, at their annual Heritage Music Festival Competition. The choir placed 1st overall, which gave them the opportunity to perform with other high caliber choirs this year.
Leading up to the exciting week, the choir rehearsed for several months before performing in the festival. However, the rehearsals did not stop once they left New Jersey. Upon arrival in Chicago, the choir was sent to work with Professor Donald Brinegar from Pasadena City College. In rehearsal, students had the opportunity to work with other schools on multiple choral pieces in a combined effort to share the gift of music.
HHS Choir was able to gain more experience with Professor Brinegar in a one-on-one clinic the day before their performance. Brinegar’s advanced techniques and profound insight on the choral world gave both students and their director, Julianna LoBiondo, a brand new perspective on how they view and perform music.
After group rehearsals, HHS Choir was adjudicated by prestigious members of the choral community, including Professor Brinegar himself. Other adjudicators included Professor Mary Hopper from Wheaton College, as well as Dr. Jeffery Redding, director of choral music at West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Florida. Redding was also the recipient of the 2019 Grammy Music Educator Award.
In between rehearsals and performances, the students were able to delve into the sights and attractions of Chicago. During the weekend, HHS Choir went on a river cruise tour that explained the history of Chicago’s famous architecture, visited Navy Pier, the art piece “Cloud Gate”, and had the chance to watch the National Tour production of Broadway’s Anastasia. Students were embellished in all that Chicago had to offer, including their signature deep dish and hot dogs.
To end the trip, an Encore Concert was held at Wentz Concert Hall to showcase the choir’s hard work from the past two days. HHS Choir was able to watch schools from New York, California, and even Canada perform their choral selections. Students left with valuable lessons on musicianship, performance engagement, and the joy of music. This was definitely a trip these students will never forget!
