Members of the Winton Wood High School Varsity Ensemble used their annual “Tune Up Concert” to sing their thanks to the many supporters who are helping to send the group to China over spring break to perform at a pre-Olympic music festival. Chorus Director David Bell took time out of the concert to express his gratitude to the many individuals who have made the trip possible through financial contributions, help with fundraising or telling the choir’s story. The list ranged from district staff to community members to local media outlets. “We didn’t receive many big contributions from large corporations,” Bell said of the more than $100,000 raised. “We did receive a good number of smaller contributions from people who wanted to help us achieve this dream.”

At the concert, the Varsity Ensemble premiered its performance of “In Harmony (He')” by Rollo A. Dilworth, who is conducting the choir in China at “A Choral Salute to the Beijing Olympics. Other pieces performed include “Gate Gate” by Brian Tate, “O Nata Lux” by Morten Lauridsen and “The Battle of Jericho” by Moses Hogan.

"It is my vision that this opportunity will help to open doors for our students at a critical juncture in their lives,” said Bell. “Many of these students have never traveled far beyond the world that ends at the borders of our community.  It is my hope that this will be a life-changing experience that will help our students to see a broader world view that will have an impact throughout their adult lives."

To see the Winton Woods High School Varsity Ensemble perform “The Battle of Jericho” from the concert, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BheKvSbWpQg. The video is courtesy of Music Booster President Barb Cooper.