On Thursday, October 20, the University of Delaware arrived at Bernards High School during fourth period for a performance/wor
kshop with the Bernards High School Madrigals choir. All of the members of the Madrigals choral group were unable to contain their excitement as they were able to get a chance to work with such a prestigious choral group from a college level. The University of Delaware chorale, of course, far exceeded even the highest of expectations with their singing.
Choir director Mr. Lapine always works hard to help improve the choir as a whole (as well as for each individual member of the choir), and never fails to give all of the choirs amazing opportunities and experiences as singers. Whether it is New Jersey All-State Choir Auditions, competing in a music festival states away from New Jersey, or even just reading “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss to his classes the day right before winter break, Mr. Lapine never fails to give his students an exceptional learning experience.
The University of Delaware Chorale is the highest choir at the University of Delaware. The choral group is composed of forty-eight members, all music majors and non-music majors alike. “This year, there were actually more new members of the chorale than there were old members, which is exciting. We sing a lot of very advanced repertoire, but move quickly. I have never been in a choir full of more talented and dedicated students. I am a new member this fall and it is such a welcoming environment. Dr. Paul Head picks challenging music, and forms such a welcoming environment for his students,” says University of Delaware Chorale member and Bernards High School alumni Cassidy Dixon.
This workshop was surely an exciting experience for both the Bernards High School Madrigals and the University of Delaware Chorale. The UDEL chorale had a chance to work with a younger set of musicians and teach them about not necessarily pursuing, but at least doing something related to music at the college level. And the Madrigals (as well as other members from the other Bernards High School choirs) were given the chance to learn from a renowned, talented, chorale.
