Chamber Singers win 101.1FM’s Christmas Choir Competition
TOWAMENCIN- After trying to win for the past seven years, the North Penn Chamber Singers, directed by Matthew Klenk, won 101.1 More F.M.’s Christmas Choir competition. Every tiny detail was put into retrospect, as the choir primed and perfected their voices to create the smooth and blissful carol of “The Christmas Song.”
Something as competitive as 101.1 More F.M. Philly’s annual Christmas choir competition is extremely difficult, as it includes the entire Delaware Valley area. Since the first round to the semi finals involved submitting a recording to the station for review and selection, Klenk knew he had to pick the perfect song. The choir had to work in crunch time mode, as they only had two rehearsals to perfect their winning piece.
“We had just finished a performance, and time was running out,” explained Klenk. “I asked the chamber singers if they still wanted to compete this year, and they were all super determined.”
Klenk had submitted his chamber choir rendition of “The Christmas Song” a couple years ago but decided that if he wanted to do the song again, this year’s group was the right one to do it with. The key to winning isn’t just the perfect song; the choir performing plays a significant role, because the overall performance is judged. It doesn’t matter if they sang the most popular holiday song, because their voices are being heard, not the original singer or songwriter.
Klenk is ecstatic about the win, as each round has been getting him more and more excited for the opportunities for his chamber choir.
“I’m happy that 101.1 More F.M. Philly is recognizing the ability of high school choral programs. Not many radio stations do that, so it’s nice to be noticed,” stated Klenk.
Gushing with gratitude, Klenk explained how thankful he is to everyone who voted. Since the winning choir is based on popular vote, everyone who voted made a major contribution to the incredible opportunity for the music program at North Penn.
“Even the alumni found out about it and shared the page on social media sites like Facebook, telling their friends and family members to vote. Little things like that helped us make it this far,” said Klenk, smiling.
The Chamber Singers will perform at the Kimmel Center on Wednesday, December 14th with the Philly Pops, for a concert where one of their songs will be their winning rendition of “The Christmas Song.” The music program also earned $5,000 for the win, which Klenk hopes to use to kickstart fundraising to replace the grand piano in the auditorium.
To listen to Klenk chat with 101.1 More-FM, listen to NPHS’s Chamber Singers rendition of “The Christmas Song,” and see the Chamber Singers’ reaction to winning, click the following link:
