The Atherton Choir’s Spring Concert is this Thursday!
On May 14th, at 7pm at Hurstbourne Christian Church, the choir will be performing their annual Spring Concert. This year the recital is titled as a “Pops Concert”, including multiple hit songs such as “For Good” from Wicked, or “Fly Me to the Moon” by Bart Howard. The choir will also sing songs they performed at KMEA, such as “Shady Grove” by Emily Crocker, where Mr. Doherty, Atherton’s Orchestra Director, will play the violin.
Mendy Cumberledge is Atherton’s Choir director. Cumberledge notes the preparation that has been put into the concert. She reflects upon the challenges and successes of this year.
“Everybody has gotten better and everybody has worked really hard. The challenge has been that with the Arts area under renovation, the choir and the band have been displaced into a classroom which neither are used to. The other challenges were we had to find a place to house the concert because we were displaced from the theater, so that’s been a big challenge. Everybody has adapted really well. I’m anxious to see what happens Thursday night,” Cumberledge says.
Cumberledge is proud of how her students have also adapted to the rough schedule.
“It’s always different in the spring with all of the testing. Kids are in and out and they don’t get to attend as many rehearsals because they might be in a test. You’re mentally tired, you’re physically tired, and you don’t get as much rehearsal time, and so a lot more responsibilities are put on you in the spring,” says Cumberledge.
For Cumberledge, her favorite part of the Spring Concert is the heartfelt moment shared with the seniors.
“My favorite part is a bittersweet part where I introduce the seniors and help them transition from high school choir to whatever they’re going to do, recognize him for all of their contributions they’ve made to the program, and send them on their way with our appreciation,” Cumberledge says.
Cumberledge connects this feeling to her favorite memories of the spring concert, emphasizing the high emotions in the choir.
“One of the consistent memories is how everyone always comes together by the end. As I said earlier, it’s always just a bittersweet moment because they’re kind of saying goodbye to each other, understanding that after that night the Atherton choir will change forever because it will become a new choir,” says Cumberledge.
Lena Bosworth (12) is a bass in the choir. Bosworth’s favorite part of the concert is the feeling of accomplishment after.
“I feel like my favorite part is just seeing everything come together and all that we’ve been working on; especially for the spring. We see all of the skills we have learned through the year.,” Bosworth says.
Bosworth recognizes the obstacles that have come throughout the year, but also notes the growth that has come with them.
“It’s been interesting having a new room after having one you’ve been used to for 4 years, but I’ve made it work because it’s really all we have. I’ve had to persevere because it definitely has been challenging at times. I think it will be good to hear how much work we’ve and all of the love we’ve put into all of the songs,” says Bosworth.
Aubriana Williams (12) is a 1st soprano in the choir. As a senior, Williams is saddened by her last choir concert, but excited for the concert’s popular songs and happier mood.
“I am really sad because it’s my last Atherton Choir Concert, but I’m also really happy because we’re singing a lot of really good songs that I wanted to sing again for a long time. It’s going to be fun bonding with everybody and seeing everyone happy. I feel like the spring concert is the happiest concert,” Williams says.
Those going can look forward to a cheerful time, encourages Williams.
“It’s really a good time to bond with each other. Everybody is more loving and you can really see how everyone is really friends with each other. They should expect a lot of fun songs and songs that they know. It’s more up-beat than all of our other concerts which have a lot of slow songs, but it’s a really happy mood overall,” William says.
Cumberledge summarizes the spring concert in one short sentence.
“It’s just a fun night of music and entertainment,” says Cumberledge.
The Atherton Choir hopes to see you there!
