While many of us headed down to the Jersey Shore or out into our backyards for a barbecue this Memorial Day weekend, the North Penn Choral Department was busy singing their hearts out, with 3 major performances throughout the weekend .

They kicked things off with the annual Spring Choral Concert, where Chorus, Men’s/Women’s Choirs, and Chamber Singers highlighted their talents, with pieces such as “Dubula”(Chorus), “Elijah Rock”(Chambers), “Will the Circle be Unbroken”(Women’s), and “Music in the Air”(Men’s). Per tradition, the penultimate song of the night was Paul Simon’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, accompanied by a slideshow of all 80+ graduating members of Chorus.

“This has been the most intense and involved year the choirs have ever had, and none of it would be possible without Mr. Klenk; he is truly a master at his art,” reflected Senior Chamber Singers member Aaron Menzo.

On Saturday, Menzo and the rest of Chamber Singers traveled to The Mann Center for Performing Arts in Fairmount Park. Chambers, along with a handful of other groups from across the Philadelphia area, performed alongside the Philly Pops, as a part of the annual Memorial Salute. Chamber Singers accompanied the Pops in numbers such as “America, The Beautiful”. The annual concert is meant to honor all of the veterans in our community, which was undeniably apparent at the conclusion of the performance, when the Pops paid tribute to the individual branches of the U.S. Military by playing the anthem for the Marines, Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, and Army.

“Chorus has always been a highlight of my high school career-it was really bittersweet because though these were my last concerts with each of the groups I belong to, they were amazing and I wouldn’t have had them any differently,” expressed Senior Madison Eppers.

As if one night chock full of patriotic performances wasn’t enough, NPHS’ Men’s and Women’s Combined Choir were a part of the long-standing tradition of the Memorial Day Tribute in Memorial Park on Monday morning. Under the direction of Mr. Matthew Klenk, the choir, along with the Wind Ensemble, participated in the annual ceremony meant to recognize all the members of the Lansdale community who have served our country. The Combined Choir sang “The National Anthem”, “Armed Forces Salute”, “Let There Be Peace on Earth”, and joined the band in the concluding number of “Battle Hymn of the Republic”.

To pull off all three of these immensely successful performances, Chorus and the Select Groups worked tirelessly for the weeks and months leading up to Memorial Day Weekend. Although exhausting at times, the hours of rehearsal are worth it when the performers get to see the standing ovations they consistently get after each performance.

Chorus Director Matthew Klenk concluded, “This week leading up to Memorial Day was exhausting – we had some kind of rehearsal or performance everyday.  But it was amazing to see the hard work of these students on display. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to work with young men and women who are so committed to making excellent music, and to giving back to their community.”