WTHS Chorus and Choral are scheduled to perform in an upcoming competition
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - First, Dr. Chris Thomas had the members of the Washington Township High School laughing. Soon thereafter, he had them singing even better.
The Rowan University Director of Choral Activities was on hand in the Investors Bank Performing Arts Center on April 25, to give a clinic to both the Women's Chorus and the WTHS Chorale. Both of those groups are scheduled to perform -- and be judged -- at the New Jersey American Choral Directors Association High School Festival on May 19, at the Rutgers University Nicholas Music Center in New Brunswick.
Rowan University Director of Choral Activities Chris Thomas (far left) came to Washington Township High School to give a clinic to the Chorale and Women's Chorus. Here, he assists WTHS Choral Director Joe Zachowski with the WTHS Chorale. Thomas first watched at WTHS Choral Director Joe Zachowski led the groups through their numbers. He took plenty of notes -- "I'm going to make a giant mess on your music," he said to a student whose papers he borrowed, drawing laughter -- and then quickly turned those notes into tips to assist the groups. At one point, he had the women's chorus sing one of their songs completely staccato. After that, he had them moving their feet along with the music.
"This may seem crazy, but it's going to make you better," Thomas said.
At Rowan, where he is an assistant professor of music, Thomas conducts the university's Concert Choir, and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in choral conducting and choral literature. In addition, he is the current President-elect of the NJACDA, so he's deeply knowledgeable in what the judges might be looking for.
This item submitted by Matthew pesyna, Washington Township School District.