May 2, 2018
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The A Cappella Choir from Concordia Lutheran High School qualified for the 2018 Indiana Choir State Finals. They were selected as one of the Top 16 choirs in the State of Indiana and will compete at Pike High School on May 5 in the championship finals.
The 2018 State Finals will be a real “Hoosier’s” experience as Concordia is the smallest school, by a large margin, to make this year’s contest. Using current IHSAA football classifications, 3A Concordia will face two 4A schools, four 5A schools and nine 6A schools at state on Saturday. Additionally, Concordia is the only Christian and private school to make the cut. The A Cappella Choir is thrilled to represent Concordia, Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana as the only choral group from this region to qualify.
“Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow! It’s truly a humbling privilege to lead this incredible group of Christian young people. They’ve worked exceptionally hard, and I’m excited to work toward our most poignant performance yet this Saturday at the State Finals,” said Tavis Schlicker, director of choral activities at CLHS.
School choirs from across the state gathered on April 28 at one of five qualifying locations. Each choir performed three selections for a panel of professional judges as well as sight-read a brand new rhythm, melody, and harmony. The scores were then ranked against all choirs statewide. The Top 16 scores advance to this weekend’s State Finals contest.
Concordia has a strong tradition of excellence in vocal music. This is the sixth consecutive year that the A Cappella Choir has enjoyed the privilege and honor of qualifying for the State Finals. Built on many years of history with faithful singing and solid leadership, the A Cappella choir enjoys a reputation that fosters involvement from many outside forces. Within the past year, the choir has been visited by directors from collegiate programs like Anderson, Ball State, Butler, Concordia, Huntington, Indiana, IPFW, Purdue, Valparaiso, Wartburg and Wittenburg.
At the State Finals, the A Cappella Choir will perform an 18-minute set featuring three selections: “The Conversion of Saul” by Z. Randall Stroope, “O Magnum Mysterium” by Morten Lauridsen, and “Ain’t No Grave Can Hold My Body Down” by Sean Caldwell and Paul Ivory. The songs are exceptionally challenging and are generally considered collegiate and professional level literature. Notably, the final selection utilizes American Sign Language throughout the work. Two CLHS students use ASL for the entire song and the choir joins in signing on the choruses.
“We are very excited and honored to have the opportunity to share God’s message through song. State finals will be an awesome place to be a witness,” said senior Bethany Zeckzer, choir president.
Concordia Lutheran High School, located at 1601 St. Joe River Drive in Fort Wayne, Ind., was founded in 1935 as a private, co-educational Lutheran high school open to students of all faiths and backgrounds. With Christ at the center, Concordia continues to pursue educational excellence that equips individuals for lifelong learning and service as disciples of Jesus Christ. Learn more at www.clhscadets.com.