Fine tuning for North Shore students

Talk about it

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect.

That’s the thinking behind the first annual vocal exchange between the 11 Two Harbors High School and William Kelley School seventh- and eighth-grade students held last Friday in Silver Bay.

William Kelley choir director Mary Carroll said it was a good way for her students to prepare for when they get older.

“We wanted to give our students a chance to experience in a more gentle way what goes on in a Minnesota State High School League contest,” she said.

Two Harbors High School choir director Nancy MacGibbon said the experience helped her students gain confidence. Students were asked to dress appropriately and to formally introduce themselves. They performed in various solo and ensemble pieces.

Though the students were not given scores, past Two Harbors High School choir director Jill Hanson stepped in to offer constructive critique and spent some one-on-one time with the performers.

“For our junior high kids to sing a solo in front of someone who they don’t know, it can be scary. You want to help them improve,” Hanson said. The performers were well-prepared and acted as a good audience for each other, she said.

Hanson, who has judged the Minnesota State High School League music contest, said she would be willing to help out during the vocal exchange again.

Both Silver Bay and Two Harbors students said they had fun being around other students who sing. MacGibbon said that although some of her students were nervous, they really enjoyed the experience.

“They were really glad they did it,” she said.

MacGibbon said she has been thinking about doing a vocal exchange for years. Both choir directors say they would like to continue the event next year.

Tags: two harbors