The success of the BU Singers choir

Kate Vandermeulen - Social Media Coordinator

WhatAre Choirs For?

organised by the Bishop’s University Singers and the BU Arts Festival was led by the passionate choir conductor Jamie Crooks and the musical director Fannie Gaudette. Choristers returned to the Centennial stage after a threeyear hiatus due to COVID. Eager audience members filled the room on the night of March 30.

The show aimed to answer the question posed by its title: What are choirs for? Crooks proposed to respond to the question through a curated selection of gospel-type songs, road trip songs or popular compositions such as “Alexander Hamilton” from the hit musical Hamilton and the medley from La La Land (which included a brief but thrilling tap number). The final few songs sung by the choir were chosen by and dedicated to Principal Michael Goldboom, who is retiring this year. Goldboom was invited on stage to a heartwarming rendition of “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha.

“Fannie and Jamie chose a repertoire of songs that were cohesive enough to make sense in the context of a show, but with enough variety to show off the versatility of the choir,” explained soloist Tyler Casat. “Being on stage with 130 people in front of a full audience showing off the talent at BU is beyond exciting. The choir is so welcoming and supportive; it’s cool to see people from the community and faculty bond with students like that.” Casat confessed his favourite part of his experience with the BU Singers was the final performance at Centennial. The choir rehearsed twice a week throughout the year and in the week leading up to the show, the singers had technical rehearsals in the theatre every night. “[I hope] the audience took away the unmitigated joy and power of song. There’s really nothing like it,” wished Crooks. And it was clear from the energy in the lobby following the performance that audience members left the show with a pep in their step and a song in their hearts. What is next for the BU Singers? You will have to stay tuned (no pun intended). “[I] want to squeeze that [talent] out of them until there’s absolutely nothing left,” said Crooks as they acknowledged Bishop’s and Champlain’s talented students. The raging success of the BU Singers’ performance has sparked excitement, and they are just getting started.