Choir concert to include songs in various languages

Tara Branson
News Writing Student

Songs performed in Hebrew and other languages will be on the program when OCCC’s three choirs perform their first concert of the semester Thursday.

Caleb Dickenson, a member of both the chamber and concert choirs, said learning the songs in Hebrew was difficult.

“It’s very hard, but very interesting and challenging at the same time ... especially learning to sing the language,” Dickenson said.

Ron Staton, choir director and music professor, said the choirs will perform a showcase of pieces they have been practicing during the semester.

Concertgoers should expect to hear each choir sing a variety of pieces.

Besides the songs in Hebrew, other selections will include some jazz tunes and even a number from the musical “West Side Story,” Staton said.

He said the choirs will sing as a whole, without individual performances.

“I don’t [assign] many solos because the purpose is to showcase the choirs,” Staton said.

The three choirs are the concert choir, which is open to any student who is interested; the chamber choir, consisting of students who must audition to be accepted; and the symphonic community choir that is mostly made up of adults in the community, although 10 to 12 students are included, Staton said.

The choir concerts draw large audiences of 500 to 600 people, Staton said.

Because the OCCC Bruce Owen Theater only holds about 280, the choirs will perform at Mid-America Christian University, Staton said.

Dickenson said after all the hard work put in, he is excited to perform.

“I think we’re pretty good for a two-year college,” Dickenson said.