Hello! My name is Mackenzie Sarasin, and I am a sophomore in Lyric Chorus and Acabelles. I’ll tell you about what we are up to in choir as well as the songs we are rehearsing for the Fall Concert on October 24th.
In Lyric Chorus we are learning three songs: “Plena” by Diana V. Sáez, “Lullaby” by Daniel Elder, and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” (Traditional Appalachian).
“Plena” is a dance that originates in Puerto Rico. It is a dance that you make up on the spot, usually accompanied by drums and a trumpet. This piece is fun and lively. “Lullaby” is a calm, peaceful song that speaks of forgetting the worries and stresses of the day and finding peace to fall asleep. This piece gives a peaceful and serene feeling as well as a calming safety. “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” is a folk song passed down orally for generations in the south. It gives a strong feeling of community and spontaneity. It is so much fun and it makes you want to clap and sing along when you hear it.
In Lyric Chorus, my favorite song is “Lullaby.” The lyrics and music give me a sense of calm and safety. Whenever we rehearse "Lullaby," all my stress and problems from that day just melt away and the music just sweeps me away into feelings of serenity.
In Acabelles, we are learning “No Tears Left to Cry” by Ariana Grande, and a mashup of the songs “I Want You Back” by The Jackson Five and “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars.
“No Tears Left to Cry” is song about making the world fall away and not caring what anyone else thinks. It’s strong, upbeat, and hecka fun. I get a feeling of empowerment by singing the words, “Ain’t got no tears left to cry, so I’m pickin’ it up.” The mashup starts with the soulful, upbeat song “I Want You Back,” which is about falling in love too late. Sad source material, but it’s a really fun song. “Count on Me” is about being there for each other and having each others’ backs.
In Acabelles, my favorite song is “No Tears Left to Cry.” It has such a powerful message and I lose myself in the music as I sing. It’s so chill yet upbeat and it gives me a feeling of empowerment. Whenever I have a bad day, it picks me right back up.
My favorite part about choir is the camaraderie. Choir is a family and even if I don't know another person, I never feel scared to talk to them or ask a question because we automatically have something in common (especially within our individual choirs). I met people who I would not have met if it weren't for choir, and I became great friends with them. Choir is something that brings people together—it forms a rare, special bond.
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