Choral group expands in size, splits in 2 sections
Choir scheduled to perform at first home football game

By Joshua Thao,
Writer
August 24, 2012

As week two goes by at FC, the choir is anxious, now that each individual has learned the basic breathing techniques. Many people already know the limits to their voice while others are still learning.

Music Director Michael Ogdon has spent countless hours putting everyone into their range sections. Each section critically plays a part in the songs as they work together to perform a perfect harmony.

The choice of substituting choir with several other requirements has led many students to take this formally known elective. With 80 students, the school has decided to give Ogdon two separate choir periods (fifth and seventh period). However, there are many difficulties with having two separate periods; one of them being learning the music at the same pace.

"Because we had so many students we thought that we would be better off with the budget with one set of music for two different groups," Ogdon said. "That way we also could spend more time on the individual group members and help them to get better quicker."

For the girls, they have an option of being either in the soprano or alto sections within the choir. The altos have lower notes compared to the sopranos and usually hold the melody in songs. Freshman Kiaya Hargis joined choir because she hopes to increase her vocal talents.


"I'm an Alto," Hargis said. "I heard it [choir] was really good and I wanted to be taught by Mr. Ogdon because I heard he was a great teacher. I want to try and train my voice and expand it."

The boys have an option of being a tenor or a bass. Tenors normally sing in a higher vocal range than the basses. Jordan Boudreau, '13, joined choir for his first time in high school and is part of the bass section.

"I am in the bass section," Boudreau said. "I wanted to join choir because it's something I've never done before. It seems fun."

Jessica Herron, '13, has been in choir for a few years and has decided to return because she enjoys the different opportunities in Choir.

"I've been in it for a few years before and I just really like it," Herron said. "The traveling and Bible parts are really fun."

The first group performance will be at the home high school football game, Aug. 24. The choir will be singing The Star-Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key and John Stafford Smith, arranged by Don Marsh. The two separate periods have been simultaneously working on the piece and will finally put it together during half-time.

"[Through the year] I fully expect both groups to be learning the same music separately," Ogdon said. "So on Friday when we put it together, we will be like, 'wow this is awesome.'"

For more news articles read the Aug. 23 article, Farmer Boys to run concessions.



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