The Connection

Friends, families and local residents had the pleasure of hearing the South Lakes High School Choral Department perform on Tuesday, June 3 at the school’s Little Theatre. This show was the final major performance for the school year. “I think it was great because everyone worked really hard,” said South Lakes junior Maddie Planton. “It is the seniors’ opportunity to showcase what they have been working on.” Planton is a member of the Chamber Singers, one of several ensemble groups which make up South Lakes Choral Department.

THE SHOW opened up with an enthusiastic rendition of Pharrell Williams “Happy” which included choreography. Some of the singers included junior Harrison DeWolfe and sophomore Brigid Doebrich. Following this were performances by the ensemble groups including the Men’s Camerata, the DoReMigas, and the new mix a cappella group, Noteworthy. “The spring concert is always the most fun show,” said Sheri Zimmerman, vice president of Parents for Choral Arts (PCA), a group comprising parents of students who participate in the South Lakes High School Choral Program.

“I am really excited to sing with everyone for the last time,” said senior Allison Goswick, a member of the Women’s Chorale and Bella Voce ensembles. “It will make a nice memory as we head out to college.” Goswick intends to study psychology at Virginia Tech. The entire concert featured 166 students, and each ensemble performed a varied program that included multicultural, Broadway, and contemporary selections. Directing the show was Rita Gigliotti.

“I would like to thank my students for their commitment and dedication to the Choral program this year,” stated Gigliotti. Gigliotti joined the South Lakes High School faculty in 2005. Since then the South Lakes Choral Department has more than doubled in size and has received overwhelming acclaim. Before the show began, there was a photo slideshow with pictures reviewing the choral group’s past activities including a trip to New York and the annual SingStrong a cappella festival held at South Lakes.

DURING A PAUSE between ensemble shows, the chorus boosters took the opportunity to recognize the Scheler family and new scholarship which they created recently. “It is something we wanted to give back to the community which has given so much to us,” said Scheler. The concert continued with music by the Women’s Chorale and then the Chamber Singers. Songs performed by the Chamber Singers included Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go” and the Indian melody “Dwijavanthi.” After this was music by ensembles Bella Voce and the Chamber Singer Women.

The show concluded with a performance by the South Lakes High School Choral Department and alumni of Paul Simon’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Before the song began, Gigliotti thanked the audience and the choral group students. “I just want to say thank you, and I love you,” said Gigliotti. After the show, many choral group students expressed appreciation for Gigliotti. “She is more than a teacher, she is a mom and a poet,” said senior Emily Hanbury.

“Mrs. Gigliotti, she really helped me build my voice and range,” said senior Zackary Warner. “She is more than a teacher, she is like a second mom.”

For more information about South Lakes Choral group visit southlakeschorus.org.