VARSITY ARTS
BY DIANE A. RHODES
Take 19 a cappella singers, add some holiday tunes and watch as they mix and mingle with guests at special events throughout the community. That’s the routine for Hemet High School’s Chamber Singers as they warm up for their performance at the school’s annual Winter Concert. “I was familiar with the high caliber of their performance and excellence in their repertoire,” said Linda Burke, membership chairwoman for Soroptimist International San Jacinto-Hemet Valley. “They are local students who often go on to become professionals in the vocal field of music performance.” Burke is a recently retired administrator from Hemet High who traveled to competitions with the Chamber Singers. The Soroptimist members decided the Chamber Singers would enhance the evening for guests at its “Jingle & Mingle” fundraiser in Hemet this month, making it one of several engagements by the singers. They also performed at a church social and two remembrance services. Junior Tyler Sands is a first-year student in the group and found the public performances fulfilling because it brought out emotion from the audiences. September De Soto, 17, enjoys the cheerful atmosphere when they perform at private parties. Interim music instructor Randy Dawkins and choir teacher and vocal music director Bonnie Pumphrey worked with the singers, who are chosen from auditions the prior school year. Some are newcomers and some have been part of the group since they were freshmen. “Hemet High School Chamber Singers have a long history of performing for holiday events in the valley,” Dawkins said. The tradition has been going on for at least 15 years, according to Pumphrey, who has been at the school for the past 10. She said their repertoire combines standards with some challenging songs that aren’t as well known. “I think singing at public appearances makes us improve the most, more than any other practice,” said sophomore ChrisLong, 16. The Chamber Singers are one of three groups that constitute the school’s choir. The other two are the Advanced Women’s Choir and the Concert Choir. “They have to meet a particular standard,” said Dawkins, whose two children were members when they attended Hemet High. Students’ grades are dependent on participation and performance and they receive points for all outside concerts. Theclass fulfills an arts graduation requirement and is part of the regular daily schedule. Senior Maria Perez loves all forms of creative arts, especially singing with the group. “The six-part harmonies make my heart explode with joy,” she said. The group requests a $200 stipend per appearance, and the funds are go toward expenses the district does not cover, such as higher-level competitions and trips. Last year the singers participated in the Festival of Gold competition in Washington, D.C., and took second place, missing the top spot by only two points. “My favorite events are all the events in public because I feel like it brings us closer to the community,” said Brenden Thompson, 16, who has been a member for three years. “My favorite Christmas song is ‘Mary, Did You Know?’ because it is a great way to show off your vocal range and the song in general is an amazing piece.” Chamber Singers also get to have fun on campus when they spend time delivering Holiday Grams. Students, staff and faculty can request the delivery of a special musical greeting for $3 each. “I love to perform just to make people smile,” said sophomore Jonah Chavez.