CHS Chorus' Benefit Concert 2018

Expressing emotions through song, the Chariho High School Chorus performed their annual Benefit Concert on Wednesday, November 14th at the George Kent Performance Hall in Westerly. All donations from the concert went to support the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, which helps to aid under-funded music programs in schools nationwide.

This concert included the CHS Chorus members, CHS Chorus alumni, and members of the Chariho faculty and administration. Among the chorus, some of the performers were comprised of an auditioned mixed choir (Chariho Vocal Select), an auditioned women's choir (Women’s Group), and an auditioned men’s choir (The Brothers Tux). Also, alumni Brandon Donahue of the Chariho High School class of 2004 returned to accompany the Chorus on the piano on select pieces.

The concert opened with the chorus and faculty surrounding the audience singing two international folk songs named “Ma lo we l'okun mo” and “Tumba!” Both of these songs included drum accompaniment by Mr. Eric Lopez, a former Chariho Middle School Spanish teacher. After well-deserved applause from the audience, the chorus sang “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” while commemorating those who sacrifice their lives on the behalf of the people of the United States. Once this powerful anthem concluded, the group sang Superintendent Ricci’s favorite song, “Hallelujah,” to support him as he recovers from a brain tumor he discovered last June.

The Chariho High School Chorus and Chariho faculty singing together.

Then the teachers took their seats as the chorus sang two additional songs. The first, “I See Colors,” was a beautiful song about the emotions of happiness and hopefulness. The second song, “We Rise Again” was accompanied on the piano by junior Jasmine Lerner and elegant solos by juniors Melanie Boger and Catherine Fugere. This song effectively exemplified the importance of resilience after hardship.

To open their portion of the concert, Chariho Vocal Select sang a poignant acapella piece called “Prayer of the Children,” emphasizing the hope that humans should have as global citizens. On a lighter note, this specialty group also sang an enjoyable acapella piece called “Connected,” which featured well put-together choreography and great harmonies.

Chariho Vocal Select performing "Prayer of the Children."

Next, the women’s group took the stage, singing a piece called “To Make You Feel My Love.” This specific piece was superbly arranged by the chorus director’s daughter, Laura Dowding. The next song that was sung by them, “Letter From a Girl to the World,” phenomenally focused on women empowerment and reinstating that anyone’s dreams are possible.

Chariho Women's Group performing "To Make You Feel My Love."

As the women’s group concluded, the men in the men’s choir, The Brothers Tux, advanced to the stage in their new tuxedos. After applause from the crowd, they began their first song, “Make Them Hear You,” which was originally from the musical Ragtime. They channeled the inner message of the song about standing up to injustice as a unified group. Changing the mood, they moved on to charm the audience with the acclaimed song, “My Girl” in which they incorporated choreography by senior Kaine Young.

Chariho Men's Group, The Brother's Tux, performing "My Girl."

Returning back to the chorus, they sang a Spanish song called “Ritmo,” which included singing, clapping, stomping, snapping, and a four-handed piano part. On the piano, juniors Jasmine Lerner and Matthew Gouvin accompanied the chorus in this very energetic song. The chorus did an outstanding job with this piece, making it sound remarkable.

Chorus students performing "Ritmo."

After this action-packed song, the Chariho faculty came back to the stage and sung the inspiring song “This is Me” from the movie The Greatest Showman, accompanied on the piano by junior Jasmine Lerner. This song included solos by senior Paige Shafovaloff, Mrs. Sylvia Overend, senior Sarah Bentley, freshman Caitlin Curran, Mr. Keith Moreau, freshman Bryce Charette, sophomore Camryn Olf, junior Tia Sardelli, and sophomore Jennifer Whan and included choreography by Mrs. Rebecca Burns.

Chorus students and faculty performing "This is Me."

As the concert was coming to end, the group sang a group of Neil Diamond songs in the “Neil Diamond Medley” including “Song Sung Blue,” “I’m A Believer,” and “Sweet Caroline.” They could not be more enthusiastic about these songs without the help of trumpets from Ms. Erin Hall and Mr. Jacob Desmarais and trombone from senior Stewart Mead. Finally, to conclude the concert, the group ended with “We Are the World” as they do every year, utilizing sign language during the chorus of the song.

Middle school teacher Mrs. Anderson (Singer) and senior Kaine Young sing a duet in "We Are the World."

This concert could not be possible without the hard work of the choral director Ms. Lynn Dowding. Besides being a full-time chorus teacher, she dedicates time before and after school every day to rehearse with her specialty groups. She is always there for her students, nurtures their passions for music, and helps them succeed in all areas of music.

Overall, with passion, dedication, and cooperation, everyone in the Benefit Concert did an amazing job and for a great purpose.