Joliet West High School - Alpha Omega Yearbook (Joliet, IL)

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Madrigals Present Medieval Dinner For the first time in Joliet West's history the madrigal choir held a madrigal dinner. Medieval Britain was the setting and Joliet's First Presbyter- ian Church provided the facilities. The choir was dressed as a medieval court complete with serving maids, fools and a jester. According to Mr. David Danckwart, choir director, about 350 people attended the five-course dinner. During the first semester, the madrigals performed at two choral concerts. Madrigals require very little dancing or movement. When performing, the choir moves into a formation and stays there for the duration of the song. According to Danckwart, since madrigal choir members do not have to concentrate on dancing, they are free to concen- trate on producing a clear, rich sound. After Christmas, the madrigal choir changed its name and style to the traditional swing choir. Besides per- forming at nursing homes, charities and other clubs, the choir went to contest and received a first place rating. Swing choir, comprised of 10 guys and 11 girls, ended the year with the a cappella choir at the annual choir banquet. Three concerts, contest and a spring musical kept the a cappella choir singing all year. ln addition to the traditional spring and fall concerts, the choir performed at the Too Late to be Mid-Winter concert. According to Director David Danckwart, the choir was not ready for a concert in January due to musical try-outs and solo - ensemble contest. ln April, the choir members per- formed at the choir contest in Lockport. Overall, the a cappella choir received a first place rating. For the first time, tryouts for musical, traditionally open only to choir members, were open to the whole student body. According to Danckwart, the majority of the cast came from within the choir. On April 29 and 30 and May 1, the music department presented Hello, Dolly under the direction of Mr. David Danckwart. On Thursday, May 13, the choir gave its final school concert during periods 8 and 9. On May 18, the choir performed at the choir banquet which featured performances by all the choirs. Mar a Wastalu and Mike Philli s ste out durin g p p g Scott Ward Mike Phillips, and Matt Walsh provide an up song. background vocals for the swing choir. Madrigals Andrea Johnson, Mark Blatnicky, Neil Johnson and Stacey Simmons end the madrigal dinner with Silent Night.

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Treble choir members rehearse What Matters Most in preparation for the Fall Concert on October 30. Sophomore Chris Blatnicky directs traffic to the choir garage sale held at Michelle Ftogina's house on November 13 and 14. In preparation for a concert, freshman choir members practice their songs for the Hrst time from memory. Scales are practiced by the treble choir during their class period. 28 Choirs