We Are Not for Sale

On Thursday, Nov. 5, over 200 high school students are coming to Plymouth State’s campus, and it’s not for an open house or a tour. They’re coming to sing.

The 38th All New England Choral Festival: Songs of Protest is a day-long event, ending with an evening concert. Choir teachers from 60 high schools across New England select singers from their choir to participate.

Under the direction of Dr. Dan Perkins, PSU’s director of choral activities, students spend the day rehearsing their music. At 7 p.m., they will join with PSU choirs for a performance in the Hanaway Theatre in PSU’s Silver Center for the Arts.

The theme this year is Songs of Protest. “I really wanted to do music that would allow students and teachers to consider current events that are relevant in the music,” said Perkins.

Songs such as “Find the Cost of Freedom” (Crosby, Stills & Nash), “Down by the Riverside”, and “Famine Song” (VIDA) tie into the overall theme.

"Every concert we do here is like a show, where you become completely encompassed with the story that's being told,” said Amanda Harrington, junior. Harrington helped to organize the festival last year.

“It is an excellent way for the high school students to begin to understand the discipline of singing in a University choir,” she said. “It was an incredible opportunity, and the students really seemed to enjoy it.”

“It’s terrific,” Perkins said about working with the high school students. “It takes a great deal of energy to keep them engaged throughout the day, but they have an honest energy that’s lots of fun to shape and mold.”

Every year, a choir is featured on the program. This year it’s ConVal Regional High School, under the direction of PSU alumna Krystal Morin (‘13). Their choir will perform a few songs to open the concert.

Perkins said that Thursday's concert is particularly relevant due to the ongoing elections. He stresses the concert’s slogan, “We are not for sale.” Perkins said that, amid the marketing and the campaigns, it’s important for people to keep that in mind.

The All New England Choral Festival is on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. in the Hanaway Theatre, in PSU’s Silver Center for the Arts. Call (603)-535-2787 or visit http://www.plymouth.edu/silver-center for tickets.

COURTESY PHOTO/PLYMOUTH.EDU