The Spring Concert for the MATC Choir will be honoring the memory of LoVonte Ford, who was a member of the choir for two semesters. Along with being a singer, Ford was an excellent dancer and choreographer and a great conversationalist who I had the pleasure of getting to know. He will be greatly missed, and I dedicate this article to his memory. I also hope you will attend the concert that will take place on May 9 at noon in the C-Auditorium.

I had the honor of being in the choir for two semesters, and I have learned so much from my experience taking music classes at MATC. Bringing the voices together in perfect pitch and sound is not an easy task but with the right musical discipline and direction, it can be done.

Singers are organized according to their voices, from soprano, the highest vocal range, to bass, which is the lowest vocal range. Contralto, countertenor, tenor, and baritone are in between. Once the semester has progressed, some singers can audition for solo spots in the choir during either the Fall or Spring Semester.

I spoke with several members of the MATC Choir who have enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie that have brought the group together, along with common musical interests. Holly Noddo and Jacob Odrzywolski are members of the choir for the Spring Semester. Noddo, who is also a multi-instrumentalist, sings both alto and soprano; she enjoys the fellowships she’s formed in the choir. Odrzywolski, who plays piano and sings tenor, says that being in choir has helped to expand and improve his vocal skills.

Tony Beyer, who is a tenor, agrees that the friendship factor helps to bring the voices together and that being in the choir has strengthened his voice as well. Richard Carlson sings bass and is also a percussionist. He likes being in key following intervals and singing as a team and unit.

“No one picks on you for not singing correctly,” he said. He also agreed that being in choir has made him a better singer and music reader. Twin brothers, Wachova Vang and Wachue Vang, who are tenors, have enjoyed singing in the choir, and this is their 2nd semester in the MATC Choir. Daniel Gaddi has enjoyed the camaraderie too and also believes being a part of the choir has made him a better vocalist.

The MATC Choir is a part of MATC’s Music Occupations Department. The Director of the Choir is Elizabeth Wallace who has an extensive background in piano, organ and voice. If anyone wants to join, you are encouraged to register and be a part of a great musical experience.