Belle Chanter and Vagabonds are going to perform at an ACDA convention on Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church. This performance is going to be broadcasted, which in turn could suggest other places to host them to sing at their desired place.
Starting off with Belle Chanter, it is not easy to get into the group. First off, the group is fully made up of women, so men are unable to join. Secondly, they have to try out, which could be hard for some students getting all the pressure built up. “Typically it’s five to ten minutes where we assessed the student,” music teacher Katelyn Sawatzke said.
“Finally, you have to able to everything they require at a proficient level that comes with vocal maturity, tonal memory and sight reading skills,” teacher Katelyn Sawatzke said.
With being in Belle Chanter, people can get some pretty amazing things. One thing that sticks out for every student is going on a trip with their classmate to perform outside of Minnesota.
“This trip is one memory that I will never forget,” senior captain of Belle Chanter Jessie Dean said.
With going out of state to perform, there are some factors that they have to consider. For example, the amount of money that needs to be raised and the question of whether enough volunteer parents are required to be there, including many more details.
One item that must happen for them to go on a choir trip is they have to perform and do well at the ACDA convention. This festival is recorded and shared. If they do well, some groups will see this recording and want to host them to come out and sing at their desired location. Also, coming with the convention, there are many partners there who come to see their child sing and if they believe that, they would do good. They could request to come with them on there choir trip to see them grow.
“Each grade get all together and sing together, I love how everyone comes together and your able to hold that for just a second,” junior Anna Dahlin said.
Some things about Vagabonds is that it is a bit more intense. With it, there is auditions, but there is call back. With those, there are multiple students who come and sing. The only way people can get on Vagabonds is from the Stillwater concert choir, and they have to be at the top SATB choir.
“But we really try to just emphasize every student’s vocal journey, and its differences and uniqueness,” choir teacher Katelyn Sawatzke said.
With all of the items that goes into vagabonds and belle chanter, it is a very hard, but very rewarding program that all kids should try out for it if they feel they are ready to take that next step into a future of singing. This program will get groups ready to perform for their parents and for people of all ages. But most importantly, they will be ready for whatever comes their way.
