Annual showcase features three singing groups

Aalfs Auditorium was filled with the sound of music Sunday during the music department’s annual Spring Choral Showcase.

The showcase included three groups: the Men and Women’s Chorus, the Concert Choir and the Chamber Singers. David Holdhusen, director of the Chambers Singers and head of the choral department, said two of the three choirs are auditioned and one contains both USD students and community members.

“So there are three groups that we have here, the Chamber Singers and the Concert Choir which are both auditioned,” Holdhusen said. “The Men and Women’s Choir however, doesn’t require an audition. So they have any manor of students. We have music major students, people who loved to sing in high school, people who have never sang, and then we also have community members so it’s really a hodgepodge of people.”

Each group preformed several songs for the showcase. Timothy Campbell, director of both the Men and Women’s Chorus and Concert Choir, said both groups performed several classical songs.

“I am always excited for both groups to present what they’re working on. The Men and Women’s Chorus is playing music of great composers such as Handel and Mozart,” Campbell said. “I think I’m most excited for the concert choir to perform Requiem. That’s such a gigantic master work and people will know one of the pieces because it was used in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Super Bowl commercial.”

Sierra Johnson, a member of the Concert Choir, said she felt like their portion of the concert went well considering their busy weekend.

“I think the Showcase went extremely well, especially since the Concert Choir just finished singing the Verdi Requiem with the South Dakota Symphony Friday and Saturday,” said Johnson.

Johnson said her favorite part about the event was when the group performed her favorite song.

“My favorite song we sang would be Dies Irae because it is so energetic and I can say ‘I sang that song on the Arnold Schwarzenegger Mobil Strike Superbowl commercial,’” Johnson said.

Both Campbell and Holdhusen agree that music is important and should be in everyone’s lives.

Campbell said music truly brings people together.

“I think music is a window into culture and history,” Campbell said. “Students in these choirs are coming together to create something beautiful and artistic. It opens up your ears and your minds to beautiful things that are happening around campus.”

Holdhusen also said music creates an emotional connection with its listeners.

“There is great music making happening,” Holdhusen said. “Music is such an important part of what the world senses emotionally, and gives the students the opportunity to experience emotion and beauty in a different way. We all have certain things that we think about, but we never know what’s really going to inspire us and I think music is a great way to inspire.”