Last week, Highland school district hosted the 64th Annual Scholarship Choral Concert. Since 1959 the Highland Music Department has awarded thousands of dollars to deserving graduates. The concert program notes that the scholarships are awarded annually, “to seniors who have demonstrated leadership, musicianship, dedication and professionalism in the instrumental and choral program.” The concert featured students from the 4th grade through High School.

Elementary School Choral Director Jodie McCaffrey opened the concert with her 4th graders singing a medley entitled, “Under the Waves,” that featured “Yellow Submarine” by the Beatles, the “Sponge Bob Theme” and “Under the Sea”, from Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid.’

This was followed by 4th and 5th graders singing, “Yonder Come Day,” an African American folk tune by the male vocal ensemble Cantus, “Get Back Up Again,” by Anna Kendrick and then 5th graders performing, “We Are The World 25 for Haiti,” a newer version of the 1985 hit written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, aimed at assisting Haiti after the devastating earthquake in 2010.

Middle School Choral Director Matthew Hogan’s 6th graders sang, “Best Day of My Life” by the band American Authors, followed by 7th and 8th graders performing songwriter Ed Sheeran’s, “Perfect.”

The High School Choir, under the direction of Erin Matthews, performed “Modimo,” a piece that celebrates traditional South African vocal music, language and culture. The singers were accompanied by the rhythm of a djembe drum.

All of the grades returned to the stage for a final three selections; reprising “Yonder Come Day,” and “Get Back Up Again” along with “You Make My Dreams.”

Matthew Hogan said the concert went well.

“This was a new setup for this concert because this time we made sure the high schoolers were singing with each of the groups. I think it worked out because the kids got to see where they were going and where it all leads to and it brings a lot of energy when you have that many voices up there [on the stage].” he said.

Hogan said the students picked the song “Perfect” because they love the piece by songwriter Ed Sheeran.

“When it came time to suggest pieces [for the concert], I had a number of them asking for that,” Hogan recalled.

Hogan said he also does karaoke in his classroom because he wants to get the kids singing just for fun and enjoyment.

Erin Matthews was pleased the way the students and the selections were presented, “and it’s really fun to be able to do that stuff.”

Matthews believes the secret to attracting and keeping such a large number of students interested in chorus is because the three teachers work so well collaboratively.

“There is also such a great attitude that passes up from elementary to middle to high school and I feel that the kids really want to be with us in singing,” she said, adding that even when there are competing activities vying for their attention, “A lot of kids make the decision to keep going.”

High School Principal Kevin Murphy said it was a good turnout for the concert.

“It’s a great community and this is what Highland is all about. We work very hard to support all of our programs and watch nights like tonight come to fruition and see what the kids have been working on for so long,” he said. “We are one big family here and we appreciate the support of the community and that’s what keeps these programs alive and prospering. This would not be possible without the amazing faculty, the very talented students that we have and the support of their family members.”