Students choreograph to accompany songs instead of professional choreographer

Now that AP testing has finally ended, MVHS deserves a respite from its hectic study schedule. So why not kick back, relax, and enjoy popular music sung by all four MVHS choirs?

On May 16, the Music Department will host Choir’s annual Spring Concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. The Spring Concert is always a “Pops Concert,” featuring medleys of popular music along with featured soloists from A-choir, B-choir, Concert Choir, and Variations. Although a professional choreographer is usually hired to create dance steps to accompany the music, this year student volunteers were chosen to choreograph.

“[Choir director Shari D’Epiro] wanted student choreographers, so we all filled out this form that asked us if we wanted to choreograph, be a feature dancer, or just on the risers. I filled of the part for choreographers, and then [D’Epiro] gave us class time to work,” freshman Kimberly Zhong said.

Zhong and freshmen Marissa Yang choreographed for B-choir. Sophomores Holly Matsunami and Selma Chang choreographed for A-choir, junior Hannah Nguyen and sophomore Jasmine Tsai choreographed for Concert Choir, and the girls of Variations choreographed for their choir.

Once the choreographers were chosen, they worked with feature dancers, students dancing in front of the risers, and the rest of the choir singing on the risers. According to Yang, the choreography was meant to match the lyrics and be simple so the students could easily remember it while singing.

“I’m on [MV Dance Team], but I don’t really get a chance to choreograph much because the officers do it,” Zhong said. “This was a good opportunity for me to get my ideas out there and to see it happen.”

Featured acts to look out for: A duet from sophomores Maggie Maser and Samantha Lau, soloist junior Jacob Lui, and a duet from brothers freshman Chan Park and senior Chan Park.

The Spring Choir Concert is on May 16 at 7:30 p.m. Songs performed include Taylor Swift’s “You Belong with Me”, “Haven’t Met You Yet” by Michael Buble, and “Forget You” by Cee-Lo Green. Tickets are $5 at the door.

{cc-by-nc-sa}