RAISING THEIR VOICES

Upon arriving to the Park Place Dome, Rotarians and guests saw the stage was set for a very special noon meeting.

The program featured members of the Traverse City Central High School Vocal Department dazzling attendees with their music.

Traverse City Central Principal Rick Vandermolen introduced Director of Choirs, Tami Grove.  Since 2006, Grove has lead these student groups at numerous festivals and conferences, consistently achieving excellent and superior ratings. Many of the students in the choral music program also embark a performance tour through Europe.

At this Rotary meeting, they gave a sneak preview of their upcoming production of “Footloose – The Musical”, opening January 2016 at Traverse City Central’s renovated auditorium.

“This will actually be the first major performance that we will be showcasing the auditorium with our students,” Vandermolen said.  He said he was very proud to have a venue “that allows them to perform at their top level.” 

The TC Central student vocalists then entered the room with a marvelous acapella procession, and took the stage for two songs featuring the entire ensemble including the Choral-Aires. 

Performing moving and remarkable pieces, the group filled the Dome with an amazing tapestry of voices. Grove commented, “Could you imagine hearing this in one of those cathedrals in Europe?”

Grove then introduced singers from their production of “Footloose – The Musical” for an excellent duet of “Almost Paradise”, and a fantastic group performance of “Holding Out for a Hero” that earned a standing ovation.

Along with “Footloose”, other upcoming Traverse City Central High School Choirs events include “Disney and Desserts” this November that raise money for the students’ choral trip to Europe.