Gorham High School (GHS) was recently graced with a visit by the UMaine School of Performing Art’s University Singers. The audition group, directed by Francis John Vogt, is comprised of both music majors and students studying other subjects that also attend the school.
Every spring, the group goes on a tour of schools in New England, making stops in Gorham and Waterville in Maine, and Burlington, Vermont. Every four years, the group tours in Europe.
Photo credit Matt MurrayThe UMaine School of Performing Art’s University Singers recently sang at Gorham High School as part of a tour of schools in New England.
Mathew Murray, a UMaine alumni and the music director at GHS, encouraged his students to come and see the show, and even have the chance to sing with them. The group sang five pieces, all with wondrous harmony and technique in both English and Latin.
After a short intermission, both the women’s a cappella group, Renaissance, and the men’s a cappella group, the Maine Steiners, performed their own selections. Renaissance singers wore matching purple scarves and incorporated many different voices into their songs. The Maine Steiners got the crowd going with some oldies but goodies and a strong lead vocalist.
Following those acts were some more recent and goofy songs by the whole group including “I’m a Train” and “Put on your Sunday Clothes” from Hello Dolly. The night was rounded off by alumni and GHS students joining together with the choir to sing (and dance) “Jabberwocky” and the Maine Stein Song, an UMaine tradition.
The night of music was certainly inspirational and gave students a look at what their future could hold.