November 2 - Seattle Academy’s outstanding music department just got another boost with the addition of a Choral group this trimester. KC Helmeid is the teacher with fourteen students enrolled in the class.

KC started hatching the idea of a choir two years ago when he saw many students who were interested in singing but were reluctant to enroll in singing classes as the current program has a strong emphasis on solo singing. KC wanted SAAS to maintain that arena and then add to it with the Choir. With a passion for choral music KC is introducing SAAS students to a whole body of literature and style that classical choral music provides. He himself sang in choirs through high school and college. “When I first started talking about having a choir at SAAS every adult I mentioned it to who had sung in high school talked with great affection about their time singing, how it was one of their favorite high school memories. I wanted to create that for Seattle Academy students.”

Scheduling is always a challenge when a new class is added, and Choir is no exception. And adding a new, untried class is always interesting because there is always a concern that there won’t be a strong enough interest. As it’s turned out there has been a large, positive response with many more students claiming they will be looking for ways to fit it into their schedule next year. “Having 30 to 35 students would be an ideal size,” said KC.

KC is not only teaching music but is teaching the students vocal technique and depth with his selection of advanced choral music. “Singing in a group is different than singing solo with a microphone. You learn to listen to other choir members and learn by being near someone and listening and blending with their voices. Students new to singing improve quickly because they sing with someone who knows how to sing a little better, and it raises the level of the whole group,” said KC.

The Seattle Academy Choir will have its first performance at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 10, in the Jaffe Room. The choir will perform there because the acoustics are much better for choral music. “The first time we practiced in the Jaffe Room, the students were amazed at how different the sound was as it ricocheted around the room. “It helps produce a big choral sound,” said KC. KC is also thrilled to be having Joan Lundquist as the accompanist for the performance. “Joan is a superb, masterful musician! We are absolutely ecstatic about having her play with us! It’s just incredible that we will be having someone of her stature as an accompanist!” said KC.

KC is encouraging the entire SAAS community to come and enjoy this inaugural event. “It’s going to be a wonderful concert of about 45 minutes, and it’s free! We even have parents providing sweets to celebrate afterward, so come and enjoy!”

The concert will be held Tuesday, November 10, at 7:00 in the Jaffe Room.