Harmonizing hearts and minds: Ayala choir’s mini-concert

October 12, 2023

Women’s Ensemble performs one of their pieces. “‘Being a member of this choir holds a special place in my heart that, for me, is a connection beyond just words,” Women’s Ensemble member Jeree Apan (9) said.

In the dimly lit auditorium, anticipation hung in the air like the first note of a sonata. The audience leaned forward in their seats, eager to experience the magic that was about to unfold. Wednesday marked a special night here at Ayala, as Choir gathered to share their voices and stories in a performance that will etched in our memories for years to come.

As the choir took the stage, the initial chords of “Hlohonolofatsa,” arranged by Daniel Jackson, reverberated through the auditorium. The solos delivered by Alex Sacramento (12) and Maddie Lubangco (10) added an extra layer of emotion to the performance.

The Mixed Choir then stepped into the limelight, performing a trio of songs. “Jubilate Deo” by Jay Althouse, “Music in the Water” by Ruth Morris Gray, and finally “E ala E,” also by Gray.

Next, the Men’s Ensemble graced the stage with their opening of “Inveniam Viam” by Ryan Main. Chris Sun’s (12) solo in “Gone Home,” arranged by John Wykoff, was a poignant performance that conveyed the bittersweetness of departure. Finally, the men’s ensemble performance was closed off with “Pirate Song” by Tim Y. Jones.

The Women’s Ensemble brought an air of grace and elegance to the stage. “Laudate Dominum” by Levente Gyongso lifted spirits, while “Flight Song” by Kim Andrew Arnesen carried audience members away on a gentle breeze of melody. Ariana Morales’s (12) solo in “Didn’t My Lord Deliver,” arranged by Ryan Main, was another definite highlight.

Vocal Ensemble delivers their performance during Wednesday’s choir concert. (Avery Rosas)

The Vocal Ensemble’s performance was nothing short of breathtaking. “Ritual” by Jake Runestad was a sonic masterpiece with a solo featuring Rachel Sitanggang’s (12) hauntinly beautiful voice. “Amor de mi Alma” by Z. Randall Stroope was a testament to the depth of emotion that music can convey. The closing performance of “Didn’t My Lord Deliver,” arranged by Aaron Dale left the audience to bask in the beauty of the vocal ensemble’s beautiful voices.

Following, Mr. Davis, the choir director, highlighted the choir’s challenges and goals, emphasizing the importance of students learning to work together effectively to enhance their performance.

“The students’ preparation of music is a significant part of our work, but there are logistical aspects like program preparation,” Davis said. “However, the ultimate challenge and enjoyable part lies in fostering teamwork and friendship among students, as singing together is most rewarding when they share a bond.”

“This concert showcases our dedication and countless hours of effort, and I am so proud to be able to contribute to it,” Jeree Apan (9), Women’s Ensemble member, added.

The concert concluded with the Concert Choir’s captivating performance of “Ohtul” by Part Uusberg, a piece that reminded onlookers of the beauty of simplicity and harmony.

“I really hope that [the audience] interpreted [our performance] as something they could possibly do in the future. Everything we do, and everything that we accomplish is because we want other people to see us in a good light,” Women’s and Jazz Ensemble member Leah Ines (10) said.

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Lia Dimapasok, Staff Member

Lia Dimapasok (9) joins The Bulldog Times as an aspiring writer, eager to explore the world of journalism. In her first year on the team, Lia looks forward to honing her reporting skills and sharing intriguing stories with her fellow students. Beyond her journalistic pursuits, she enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and baking. When not immersed in academics or writing, Lia can often be found with her nose buried in a book, lost in the captivating worlds created by her favorite authors. She also nurtures her love for creative expression through short story writing, cultivating a deep appreciation for the written word. With a genuine curiosity for the world and a penchant for storytelling, Lia is poised to make her mark on The Bulldog Times.

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Avery Rosas (12) is the Editor-in-Chief and Sports Editor for the Bulldog Times. In his third and final year on staff, he hopes to grow the publication’s reach by diving deeper into the stories that make our school, and our students, unique. Avery is very culturally centered from his proud Mexican heritage and, as a result, is heavily involved in the World Language programs at the school. He hopes to influence others to become proud of their cultures while also respecting those of others. His immersion in his Mexican culture is seen in the altars he constructs for Dia de Los Muertos and heard in his never-ending Latino music playlists, his daily soundtrack consisting of anything from Natalia Lafourcade, Pedro Infante and Los Panchos to Romeo Santos, Caifanes and Los Angeles Azules. However, his biggest passion, seen in his writing and known by those around him, is baseball; more specifically, his darling Los Angeles Dodgers. Baseball is the center of Avery's media consumption and his immersion in the sport has allowed him to meet people across the country who deepen his understanding of the game and generally just enrich his life. His proficiency in baseball and sports writing as a whole has allowed him to enjoy some of the proudest moments of his life, the biggest of which was ranking Excellent in Sports Writing during a trip to the JEA/NSPA competition and convention held in San Francisco in April 2023. This year, he's hoping to further improve his writing skills and reach Superior for his final high school competition. Despite this being his last year as an editor for the Bulldog Times, he hopes to impart his passion for the program onto his underclassmen staff members and show them the beauty of what the Bulldog Times can do for writers and collaborators during their high school years; he also took the liberty of drastically surpassing the word count for his staff bio because it's his last year. Every moment, every article, every quote, and every word given to the Bulldog Times by Avery has been the legacy he hopes to leave to future student journalists and the higher standards he hopes to bring for the publication. And of course, he couldn't have done any of it without his mentor, advisor and friend, Ms. Eileen Tse, whom he will miss very much when he eventually leaves the Bulldog Times.