Alaina Goldberg, Managing Editor

     This year’s spring chorus concert marked an occasion to look back and look ahead.

     The concert celebrated seniors who have been in the program for several years and meant the end of substitute Tammy Hampshire’s time with the choral department, as she returns to retirement. Penn Middle School chorus teacher Jeffrey Fox is set to take over.

    Hampshire stepped in for Jackie Geibel, who retired in the middle of the year, and has been with the chorus since December 2018 when she helped them plan the winter concert.

    “Preparing for the spring concert was better than the winter concert because there was more time to adapt and adjust,” Hampshire said. “I am very pleased with the way the students have risen to the challenge.”    

    Hampshire said she anticipated a very good concert from all of the groups: Mixed Chorus, Ovation, Encore and Select Choir.

    The group also acknowledged 37 seniors at the show with a slideshow, participation certificate and parent recognition during the concert.

    Senior Dallys Clark has been in chorus for six years and reflected on her experience.

    “Chorus has emphasized the importance of mental health as well as loving yourself,” Clark said. “My favorite part has been the friendships as well as the impact we leave on people.”

    According to Clark, audiences could expect a show with many fun and challenging pieces from each group, along with some surprises.

    Some of the songs from the concert included “Wake Me Up” by Avicii and “Come Raise Your Voices” by Johann Sebastian Bach.

    Mixed Chorus also sang an a capella version of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John and “Walking on Sunshine,” by Katrina and the Waves.

    Encore performed high energy pieces as well, including “I Lived” by OneRepublic and “Come Alive” from The Greatest Showman.

    “We always learn the music along with the style, interpretation and history behind it,” Hampshire said. “This concert [had] a range of different genres.”

    Hampshire will be returning to her retirement after this final concert as Jeffrey Fox teaches in her place.

    “I never thought I would come back to teaching after I retired,” Hampshire said. “I am hoping that the group will grow, not only in numbers but musically, and I hope Mr. Fox has the great experience I was able to have with the students.”

    Fox has been working with the district for 10 years at the elementary schools and Penn Middle School. He said he will be teaching five chorus classes and a drama course for the 2019-2020 school year.

    “I am excited to work with the kids up at the high school, but nervous at the same time,” Fox said. “The kids are more mature singers at this level and they are committed to the program.”

    Fox added that taking over the program will be a transition, for him and the students.

    “I know there’s a lot of prestige with the high school program and, building off of that, I want to put my own touch on things to take it to the next level,” Fox said.

    Fox said he plans to incorporate more technology into the choral department and have songs available for students on their chromebooks. He also wants to be able to take the students to perform at more places.

    “I want the kids to show their talent and also have chances to branch out to the community,” Fox said.

    Hampshire added that the students have impacted her with the pride they take in the choral department at P-T.

    “I have learned that the students really care about their program and the traditions that have been held down for years, but they are also willing to adapt to changes,” she explained.

    Hampshire said she enjoyed the daily interactions she had with the students and getting to experience things happening in their lives, especially for the seniors.

    “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and it is something that I will never forget,” Hampshire said.