Members of Great Bend Middle School vocal ensembles Music in Motion and Women in Harmony entertained with song and dance April 11 at the Great Bend High School Auditorium.
Music in Motion started the evening off with Hoyt Axton’s rendition of “Joy to the World” followed by “Fireflies” by Adam Young and “What a Wonderful World” by George Weiss and Bob Thiele. They ended with “Elijah Rock” arranged by Roger Emerson featuring soloists Gaby Reyes, Skylar Fletcher and Elysse Ellis. Next, Women in Harmony took their turn on the stage with “Over the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen, “Antiphonal Kyrie” by John Leavitt, “Pie Jesu” by Marcy Pyrtle, and finally “The Climb” arranged by Jessi Alexander and Jon Mabe and recorded by Miley Cyrus.
After a short break, Music in Motion came back on the stage and danced to a choreographed number, “Jailhouse Rock.” by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Women in Harmony ended the night with their dance routine to “Do You Love Me” by Berry Gordy.
Choir Director Max Chamberlain said he was delighted with his groups’ performances. “They have made extraordinary progress throughout the year. They are a dedicated and determined group,” he said.
The groups had their last competition on April 18 with an in-house contest at Great Bend High School. The Music in Motion group along with the 8th Grade Performance Choir received a 1 overall rating which is considered outstanding, and the Women in Harmony group received a 2 rating which is considered excellent. Vocal accompanist Abby Hammeke stated after the contest, “All the groups performed very well. I am especially proud of all the 8th grader cores coming together with only one practice and sounding that wonderful.”