Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011

 

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 - Mass Choir

Mass Choir II

The amount of creative and artistic talent south of the river is quite amazing to consider  sometimes.  In this case I am thinking about the vocal talents of the students in school district 196 and this even includes younger children.  So what am I talking about?

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011

Steve Albaugh

Well on Sunday evening Oct 30th 2011 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, MN the Dakota Valley Choral Festival was held.  This was apparently the 35th year of this festival and the church was packed for very good reason. This festival is so well run and the level of talent is so high that the show gives the listener the impression that they are listening to a college choir.

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 Eagan High School

Eagan Choir

There were four choirs from the local high schools of the district, Apple Valley with director Joel Beyer and accompanist Bill Blatzheim,

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 - Apple Valley

Apple Valley

Eagan directed by Randy Schafer with accompanist Margaret Boehlke, Eastview directed by Greg Douma accompanist again Margaret Boehlke and Rosemount with director Steven Albaugh accompanist Judy Sagen and there was the Dakota Valley Festival Children’s choir directed by Kari Douma and Kelley Sundin accompanist Kellie LeClair.

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 Eastview Greg Douma

Greg Douma - Eastview Director

So each choir presented several pieces on their own presenting a dazzling array of choral styles eras. Of course the little tykes stole the show because of their great energy and antics that they used to present their material.

Dakota Valley Festival Children's Choir

Dakota Valley Festival Children's Choir

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 Kelley Sundin

Kelley Sundin

After each choir presented then all the choirs got together to create a triumphant mass choir.  This large choir was conducted by Dr. Angela Broeker from the University of ST. Thomas and the accompanist with Mark Johnson.

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 - Mass Choir III

Mass Choir III

The evening was concluded with the Battle Hymn of the Republic and of course the entire audience was invited to sing along.   I am sure you can imagine the power, energy and pride that were displayed while that song was being sung, it was pure pleasure.

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 choir reflections

choir reflections

The only way an astonishing festival like this can go on year after year is by the commitment and support of the entire school district leadership, the school principles, the music departments of each school and the retired choral leaders in the community that continue to give above and beyond what would be expected of any mere mortals and I for one am a very grateful community parent.    I thank you all and I salute you.

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 Eastview choir

Eastview Choir

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About waynem

As a Minnesota based photographer and artist I have been greatly influenced by the Upper Midwest. I focus my skills and energies on portraits, landscapes, cityscapes, architectural and fine art work. My best work comes from images first painted in my mind. I mull over a prospective image for weeks or months, seeing it from different angles and perspectives, then finally deciding what to capture. The result is images that deeply touch people's emotions and powerfully evoke memories and dreams. My images are used commercially by companies and organizations ranging from Financial Services firms, mom and pop Ice Cream shops and The Basilica of St Mary to communicate their shared vision and values. Book and magazine publishers have featured my images on their covers. My photographs also grace and enhance the decor of many fine homes.
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