By Tamas Mondovics
Twelve Newsome High School student-performers entertained the audience with a variety of tunes last month, all seeking the winning vote and to ultimately become the next Newsome Idol.
The competition is one of a number of musically impressive events announced by the Newsome Chorus this year. The upcoming Newsome Fall Concert, scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, promises an evening of spectacular performances, along with the Randall Middle School Chorus as special guests.
Adding to the festivities this fall is the school’s On The Radio Concert, scheduled for Monday, November 9, featuring popular songs performed by auditioned soloists and the Newsome Chorus, that are heard “on the radio.”
Of course, the season would not be complete without a holiday celebration, which is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, December 3 and 4, featuring a Madrigal dinner, giving guests the chance to step back in time, while enjoying food, laughter and singing. Confident of the 2015-2016 season’s success, Publicity Chair Donna Tanner spoke highly of the program when she said, “The students have earned many outstanding awards through the years as well as two prestigious invitations to perform for the American Choral Directors Association Conferences.”
Promoting an atmosphere of positivity, passion and friendship, the Newsome Chorus is led by programs director Jeffry Bogue, who began teaching at the school 10 years ago with the desire to share his love of music with his students. During his tenure, Bogue saw the chorus grow from 86 students to its roster of 230.
While Newsome’s Show Choir “Elite” earned a superior rating at the state level and received a special invitation to perform in an honors recital featuring the top performers at the assessment, the Newsome choral students are consistently selected to perform in the All County Honor Choir, All State Honor Choir, and the American Choral Directors Association State Honor Choir.
To top things off this season, the Newsome Chorus has been invited to perform in Ireland next spring.
“Regardless of the careers they choose, I want them always to be advocates for the music programs in their communities,” Bogue said.
All proceeds from performances, ads, and sponsorships go to support the Newsome Chorus in their musical pursuits.
Newsome High School is located at 16550 FishHawk Blvd, in Lithia. For more information, visit www.newsomechorus.com.
