May 2, 2023
FORT WAYNE, Ind. —The A Cappella Choir from Concordia Lutheran High School is headed to the 2023 Indiana Choir State Finals! They were selected from qualifying regional contests as one of the top 16 choirs in the state of Indiana! They will compete in the Indiana State Finals Choir Championship at Pike High School in Indianapolis on Saturday, May 6. Concordia’s performance time is 7:30pm.
“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,” said Tavis Schlicker, CLHS Director of Choral Activities.
School choirs from across the state gathered on Saturday, April 29, at one of four qualifying locations. Each choir performed three selections for a panel of professional judges. Choirs then competed in sightreading a new rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic exercise. The scores were combined and ranked against all choirs statewide. The top scores advance as the “Sweet 16” to the State Finals contest.
The 2023 State Finals will be a real “Hoosier’s” experience. Concordia Lutheran is the smallest school, by a large margin, to make this year’s contest. Using current IHSAA football classifications, 3A Concordia will face one 4A school, three 5A schools, and eleven 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, instrumental, or orchestral ensemble from this area of Indiana to qualify.
Concordia has a strong tradition of excellence in vocal music. This is the ninth consecutive time that the A Cappella Choir has enjoyed the privilege and honor of qualifying for the State Finals! That is the second longest consecutive streak currently in existence. And the longest current streak under one director! 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. In recent years, directors have visited the choir from collegiate programs like 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: “The Conversion of Saul” by Z. Randall Stroope, “Holy Radiant Light” by Alexandre Gretchaninoff, and “Alleluia” by Jake Runestad. The songs are exceptionally challenging and are generally considered collegiate and professional level literature.
“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 Trinity Gonzalez, 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.