May 1, 2019
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The A Cappella Choir from Concordia Lutheran High School qualified for the 2019 Indiana Choir State Finals. They were selected as one of the top 16 choirs in the State of Indiana and will compete at Pike High School in Indianapolis at 4:10 p.m. Saturday, May 4 in the championship finals.
School choirs from across the state gathered on April 27 at one of five qualifying locations. Each choir performed three selections for a panel of professional judges, then sight-read a brand new rhythm, melody, and harmony. The scores were then ranked against all choirs statewide. The top 16 scores advance to this weekend’s State Finals contest.
The 2019 State Finals will be a real “Hoosier’s” experience as Concordia Lutheran is the second smallest school, by a large margin, to make this year’s contest. Using current IHSAA football classifications, 3A Concordia will face one 2A and one 4A school, four 5A schools, and nine 6A schools at state on Saturday. Additionally, Concordia is the only Christian and private school to make the cut.
“The A Cappella Choir is thrilled to represent Concordia, Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana as the only choral group from this region to qualify,” said Tavis Schlicker, CLHS Director of Choral Activities. “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow! It’s truly a humbling privilege to lead this incredible group of Christian young people. They’ve worked exceptionally hard, and I’m excited to work toward our most poignant performance yet this Saturday at the State Finals.”
Concordia has a strong tradition of excellence in vocal music. This is the seventh consecutive year that the A Cappella Choir has enjoyed the privilege and honor of qualifying for the State Finals.
Built on many years of history with faithful singing and solid leadership, the A Cappella choir enjoys a reputation that fosters involvement from many outside forces. Within the past year, the choir has been visited by directors from collegiate programs such as Anderson, Ball State, Butler, Concordia, Huntington, DePauw, Indiana, PFW, Purdue, Wartburg and Luther.
At the State Finals, the A Cappella Choir will perform an 18-minute set featuring three selections: “O Lord God” by Paul Tschesnokoff, “By the Waters of Babylon” by Edwin Fissinger, and “Great God Almighty” by Stacey V. Gibbs. The songs are exceptionally challenging and are generally considered collegiate and professional level literature, Schlicker said.
“We are very excited and honored to have the opportunity to share God’s message through song. State Finals will be an awesome place to be a witness and sing our best,” said senior Hannah Gerig, who is the CLHS choir president.
Concordia Lutheran High School, located at 1601 St. Joe River Drive in Fort Wayne, Ind., was founded in 1935 as a private, co-educational Lutheran high school open to students of all faiths and backgrounds. With Christ at the center, Concordia continues to pursue educational excellence that equips individuals for lifelong learning and service as disciples of Jesus Christ. Learn more at www.clhscadets.com.