WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Woodbridge Senior High School’s Choral Department presented their annual Spring Show last month.
Aside from the spectacular costumes and choreography, the Choral Department showed off their talented vocalists as they sang hit songs from Guys and Dolls, Beauty and the Beast, All That Jazz, Les Misérables and Hairspray.
“I’ve been doing choir since I was in elementary school, both in school and privately, but that was my first solo. I’ve been in small group solos, but never alone. Everyone was really excited and happy to do it, which made it so much fun! I’m going to try talking the new teacher into letting me set up an acapella group!” Junior Casey Wallace, a soloist in a Hairspray Medley.
Much like Wallace, joining the WSHS Choral Department came with new experiences for Junior Luis Herrera.
“This is my first year taking choir class, but definitely not my last. I’ve taken several music classes but choir is my favorite. The class is worth it because I had the chance to perform with not just the guys in Men’s choir, but everyone in the Choral Department as well. My favorite part of the show was having the chance to perform with, and meet, such wonderful and talented people,” Herrera said.
For seniors, including Corinna Champlin, the Spring Show was their last chance to perform on a high school stage.
“It was amazing, as always. I love performing and this show was one of my favorites. It was a little sad, but I’m glad my last performance went so well. I plan to enjoy music and performing when I can, but as of right now I’m planning to go to nursing school,” Champlin said.
Carol Rethmel completed her fourteenth year as Choral Director teaching at WSHS, and this was her final show with her students.
“I think before the curtain opened Friday when we did our motivational speech and we all stood together as one big family – which is what they (the Choral Department) refer to themselves as – was my proudest moment. I can’t imagine not continuing with music,” Rethmel said.
Two of Rethmel’s former students, Kara Hollis and Kelli Hutchinson, who graduated in 2011, coordinated a very moving video in honor of Rethmel’s retirement. To end the memorable evening, a conglomeration of WSHS alumni participated in the video, which was presented at the end of the evening.
Sophomore Patrick Kelly takes singing very seriously, as he was selected to attend the Governor’s School for Fine Arts Summer Program this year.
“I will be participating in the Visual and Performing Arts Section at Radford University, with a concentration in Vocal Arts. The courses include: vocal lessons, group and private, sight-singing and music theory. Many social events are scheduled as well, providing an opportunity to work with other students and faculty throughout the state with common interest. This experience will combine hard work and personal growth to create life enriching memories,” Kelly said.
