By Samantha Posa & Hilda Rico Valdez

The Choir department hosted their annual fall concert on December 5 and 6 in Highlander Hall. The event showcased all choir groups, consisting of Show Choir, Honors Choir, Concert Choir, and Chamber Singers. 

The groups came together to perform songs for this year’s theme, “Finding Home in Harmony.” The theme represents unification in overcoming grief and loss throughout people’s personal journeys. Although typically the choirs perform separately, as part of their repertoire in this concert, all four choirs performed the songs “The Road Home” and “Wanting Memories” together. Both songs tie into the universal themes of resilience and strength. 

“I like this year’s theme because it ties back with my first year’s theme in choir ‘love letters’ and ‘finding light’ so it’s a nice way to end my senior year,” senior and Student Director Nathan-Alexander Manriquez said. “The music we are singing this year talks a lot about bringing people together into a place we can all call home and that’s something choir has always been for me.”

A special feature included the chamber singers performing a piece written by a Granada Hills Charter (GHC) alumni, David Sear, a renowned film composer. Sear’s song is about using sorrow to fuel a new life. 

In preparation for the show, choir members focused on refining their vocal technique alongside honing their musical and emotional expression to bring song lyrics to life. 

“As a new member, I am always aiming to improve my singing skills, expand my vocal range, and deepen my understanding of music, especially for the Fall concert,” junior Heyley Nguyen said.     

The fall show holds a special significance, particularly for seniors. For man, it marks a full-circle moment as their first performance as part of choir and now their final “first” show. It’s a time when choir members reflect on their growth and deepen their bonds, coming together like family. 

“The fall concert has always had a special place in my heart because I like the thought of holiday seasons,” Manriquez said. “Also, this concert is less emotional compared to the spring concert when it will feel like my turn to move on to the next chapter.”

As the fall concert is the first show of the performance season, it is important to prepare appropriately to start the year successfully. As with any performance, some worries come when preparing for members of all experience levels. However, this show provides the opportunity to begin the year on a good note and overcome such worries through hard work.

“I hope this concert will leave the students feeling more confident, individually independent, yet deeply connected to their community,” Choir Director Desiree Balfour said. “By the end of the show, I want to see us filled with joy and fun, celebrating the human condition through the harmonizing power of our voices.”