I attended the ECU Choral Concert on Monday, November 6, 2000. In performancewas Kantorei directed by Janna Brendell, ECU Men’s Ensemble Blackbeard’s Ghostdirected by Sean Berg, ECU Concert Choir directed by Matthew Harden, and specialguests Leesville Road High School Chorus directed by Diane Covington. The wholeprogram was entertaining and very impressive. All the choirs were veryprofessional in both their physical appearance and their sound. In each groupthe first impressions, which are so important to a performance, were perfect.They were all dressed and aligned effectively. The sounds of every performer andgroup performing were strong and intriguing. The atmosphere was relaxed but atthe same time very professional.The first group that came on all wore long purple dresses and the conductor worean elegant black sparkly top that hit the light just right with a black skirt.The girls were all spaced evenly and formed a pyramid type shape coming downtowards the audience. All the performers were very professional in the way theyheld their music and their posture, looking at the conductor, following herevery move. Their sound was extraordinary, many of the pitches going from loudto soft tones. This diminuendo and then a crescendo kept the viewers veryinterested and involved. Their second piece, Kumbaya, was assembled in a verysoft tone. The piece created great emotions. The women harmonized beautifully,with wonderful intonation. The third piece, Didn’t it Rain, was very upbeat andfun. The girls were smiling and enjoying their work just as much as theaudience. One can really tell they love to be up there, which makes theirperformance even more entertaining. Many of the other pieces throughout theperformance created this type of atmosphere, getting the audience involved withlaughter and cheers.The Kantorei group created a wonderful mix of sounds. Men and women wereinvolved, giving their pieces depth and style. The conducto...
