Students spent the day rehearsing with WCC Music Instructors Jonathan Saeger and Randi Chalfant before they performed in a mass choir concert for parents, friends, teachers, and WCC employees.

“I am so grateful that we were able to give the middle school choirs and directors this opportunity,” Saeger said. “I hope the students were inspired to go back to school and share their experiences with others.”

Special guest clinicians Andy Beck and Dr. Rue Lee Holmes rehearsed with the students throughout the day. Beck, a nationally known composer/arranger, worked with the young singers on one of his arrangements.

Holmes, former North Carolina Music Educators Association chair of general music, taught the students body percussion exercises during rehearsals that she shared with the audience during the concert.

WCC’s choir sang the opening musical selection before being joined by the middle school choir directors to perform a song under the direction of Chalfant. The middle school singers concluded the day by performing a variety of musical pieces conducted by Saeger.

Tiffany Kilgore, Norwayne Middle School choral director, plans on making WCC’s Middle School Honors Choir Festival an annual event for her school’s music program.

“It was beyond a joy for us to be part of, and my students will remember this moment at WCC for years to come,” Kilgore said.