CCHS presents first vocal concert of the year, with some help from the Charles City Singers

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Community Singers joined forces with Charles City High School Singers Tuesday at North Grand Auditorium as part of the high school’s first vocal concert of the school year.

The choirs were directed by Derek Sturtevant from the high school and Charles City Singer director Scott Blankenbaker, as well as high school student teacher Mitchell Stover.

The Comet Chorus performed “Nine Hundred Miles” by Philip E. Silvey, “Homeward Bound” by Jay Altohouse and “Sisi Ni Moja” by Jacob Narverud. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble performed “I Wish You Love” by Kirby Shaw. The high school vocal ensemble group “Rhymes With Orange” performed “Operator” by Kirby Shaw, with Ruby Peterson as soloist and Isaak Jensen on percussion. The Concert Choir performed “Grace Before Sleep” by Susan LaBarr and “Joshua” by Rollo Dilworth.

Then the Charles City Singers took to the stage and performed “Great Day A-Comin’!” by David Angerman and Joseph Grand, with soloists Kelly Sweet and Josh Vaske. The Charles City Singers and the Concert Choir then combined to perform “The Lord Bless You and Keep You,” by John Rutter and “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” by Peter J. Wilhousky.

Accompanists were Chris Cleveland and Bethany Rhine.

The Charles City Singers will present their winter concert, “Transformation,” in collaboration with the Charles City Community Chamber Orchestra at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2.