Oneonta High School Concert Choir Shines in Community Outreach Concert
On October 26, 2023, the Oneonta High School Concert Choir, led by the dedicated and innovative teacher, Mrs. Jennifer White, left the audience in awe with a spectacular performance that not only showcased their musical talents but also their commitment to community service.
The idea for this remarkable event was the brainchild of Mrs. White herself, who expressed, “I felt we needed a performance earlier in the year to help the group work on their ensemble skills and get comfortable performing with their group. I have also wanted to involve our singers more in the community."
In an effort to give back to the community, Mrs. White and the OHS Concert Choir sought donations to support their cause. She explained, "I think community service is an important part of any school music program. Collecting donations is a way to give back to our community."
The beneficiaries of this generous initiative are the Oneonta Food Pantry, housed at the Old St. Mary's School, an organization dedicated to alleviating food insecurity in the local community.
Mrs. White's decision to involve her students and the school community in this endeavor was a thoughtful one. She believed that their October concert provided the perfect opportunity for something special, stating, "It has been a goal of mine to get our singers more involved in our community at large. I felt that a concert benefiting a community organization would be an excellent opportunity to do that."
The students, it seems, were not only supportive but enthusiastically embraced this idea. Their positive attitude was palpable as Mrs. White shared, "The students are very, very excited. They have been sharing the event with their families, friends, and classmates. It is always rewarding to perform music for a good cause, and I think the students are excited to be a part of it."
The choir's performance was nothing short of magnificent. The audience was treated to a musical journey, including the OHS Alma Mater, Wild Mountain Thyme by Francis McPeake, Nine Hundred Miles, a Traditional American Folksong, Autumn Leaves by Joseph Kosma, and the iconic "Stand By Me." Each piece was delivered with finesse and heartfelt emotion, leaving everyone in attendance awestruck.
The success of this event has created an air of anticipation for the next concert, scheduled for December 14 at 7:00 PM. This marks another opportunity for the Oneonta High School Concert Choir to demonstrate their musical prowess and, more importantly, their commitment to the community.
Mrs. Jennifer White's inspirational leadership and the dedication of the OHS Concert Choir serve as a shining example of the positive impact that the arts and education can have on a community. It's a testament to the power of music, unity, and giving back.
GO ‘JACKETS!