The CSA’s choral program has long been one of the most beloved and well-known musical offerings in Elkhart County. Each year over 120 young singers ages 8-18 engage in weekly rehearsals and at least two concerts per year, often giving additional performances in the community. This fall, choir directors Kristin Kauffman and Sandy Hill described some of the highlights of each choir this semester, and also gathered a few stories from choir members themselves on the positive impact that their choir participation has had on their lives.

Rejoice

The Rejoice Choir is comprised of 36 eager 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade singers who are up for a challenge!  Many of the singers know each other outside of the group which makes for a fun environment.  During the CSA Choral Showcase on Sunday, November 10th, they performed 3 selections about peace, including one in Hebrew titled “Al Shlosha D’Varim”.  The choir is adjourned for the semester and will resume in January when they will begin learning more advanced music in 3-part harmony for their May concert.  They are excited to welcome several new singers at that time.

Shout For Joy

Shout For Joy is composed of talented singers in grades 6-8 from all over the Michiana area…some singers as far away as Michigan! Shout For Joy is directed by Sandy Hill , accompanied by Matthew Hill and assisted by Goshen College music major Aysia Adkins.

This fall, in addition to learning new music, we have enjoyed getting to know one another and making friends from all different schools. In our Fall Showcase Concert we sang a rousing spiritual entitled Glory Train and concluded with the hit song This is Me from The Greatest Showman.  In this song we sang and had choreography! This is Me  stands for family, love and believing in yourself and featured soloists Lauren Wohlford and Molly Fridley with percussion by Jacob Shenk.
We are busy and excited to prepare for Goshen College’s A Festival of Carol’s ( December 6-8) which is a heartwarming concert to usher in the Christmas season. Shout For Joy students enjoy having the experience of singing three performances in a row, singing a song of their own and joining the Goshen College choirs and orchestra on additional carols and combined selection. The opening carol “Once in Royal Davids City” will feature Shout For Joy soloist Elsa Alstrom Brookhyser. Also a favorite activity during Festival of Carols is exchanging names for Secret Santas…Our Secret Santas will be revealed at the last concert! We look forward to seeing each other again and joining in song and friendship in January 2025!
One Shout for Joy member had this to say about their experience in the choir: “Choir is so much fun. I always look forward to going there on Mondays and learning new songs! Mrs. Hill is such a great choir teacher and she comes up with lots of great ways to make choir more fun!”

Sommo Voci

58 of the most dedicated and talented high school singers in Elkhart County comprise Sommo Voci.  These passionate musicians desire a challenging choral experience in addition to their school choral program. They recently performed a varied repertoire in the Fall CSA Choral Showcase, including a piece in the isiXhosa language and a piece titled “Seal Lullaby” by Eric Whitacre.  The choir closed with “Hope Lingers On”, accompanied with body percussion, reminding us that no matter what pain or injustice may be happening around us, hope always remains.  They also have adjourned for the semester although some singers have already been asking what new pieces they will be learning together in January. Here are some thoughts from Sommo Voci members regarding their experience in the ensemble:
“It’s an incredible experience being able to be part of an awesome choir filled with great people and having an amazing director. I feel challenged with the music and enjoy the opportunity to meet new people.”
“It’s great to be in Sommo because of how fun it is to sing in such a large group.  You meet new people and learn how to sing and perform in ways that will be important in your future as a singer.”
“I really enjoy being able to have something to look forward to on Sunday afternoons and just to get away from everything else like school and other things and just sing and have fun.”
“This is my 4th year in Sommo, and it is something I look forward to each week.  I enjoy getting to see friends, as well as meet new people who also share a love for music.  Choir and music is an integral part of a community , and sharing messages of hope and joy through the songs we sing is so special.  I look forward to each new semester of choir and each concert.”
“I joined Sommo Voci for the first time this year. It is a fun environment and a great space to expand my choral ability.  I wish I had joined Sommo Voci earlier!”

Brothers Stefan, Isaya, and Elias Magatti are members of Rejoice, Sommo Voci, and Shout for Joy, respectively.

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