In preparation for upcoming competition, the choirs performed a concert in the theater on Tuesday, March 6.

Choir director Sheree Stoppel wanted to use this concert, as well as the rehearsals preceding it, as an opportunity to practice for the competitions the choirs will soon be attending.

“I teach them as if they were going to be judged,” Stoppel said. “I also show them the rubric the judges will use and we discuss the process.”

According to Stoppel, one of the things she has focused on improving with the choirs is diction and believes that they succeeded in this aspect.

“We work really hard on diction and I felt that they did very well with diction this time,” Stoppel said.

Stoppel felt that the area the choirs could improve in the most was becoming more familiar with songs and roles onstage.

“They could improve on security of parts, the polishing things—phrasing and dynamics,” Stoppel said.

Overall, Stoppel was happy with the performance given and attributes some of the choirs’ success to the audience.

“I was really pleased,” Stoppel said. “I think an audience makes such a difference. They focus. They try their hardest. Being with an accompanist on the stage makes people rise to the occasion.”

The setlist for the concert was as follows:

Treble Choir: “I Am the River,” “Fire,” Alleluia” and “Misty Morning”

Mixed Choir: “Alleluia Madrigal,” “Three Madrigals,” “We Are One” and “Rhythm of Life (Sweet Charity)”

CC Women: “A Festive Alleluia,” “Heart, We Will Forget Him,” “He’s Gone Away” and “And This Shall Be For Music”

Jag Chorale Women’s Ensemble: “You Stole My Love” and “Like a Khasidim a Nigun”

Jag Chorale Mixed Ensemble: “The Last Words of David,” “Gypsy Life,” “Alleluia” and “Omnia Sol (Let Your Heart be Staid)”