Cardinal Singers Year Two With New Director

     

Cardinal Singers performs at this year's Sweet Singsation.

     Chadron High School's show choir group, the Cardinal Singers, are all ready halfway through their second year with choir director Mrs. Wendy Mahr. "I am proud of them for so many reasons, but I guess the number one reason is that they are so willing to work hard as a group and that they are supportive of each other. Lots of high schools select groups that have talented students, but not all of them truly work like a team," says Mrs. Mahr. 
     Principal Jerry Mack has also said how proud of this group he is. "The school has received multiple positive comments about the professionalism of this group. The kids in this group are not only leaders in and out of the high school, but they also present themselves exceptionally well," he said.
     This group of kids practice almost everyday at 7:00 a.m. Choreography, harmonizing and lyrics are just the basis of the beginning of the year agenda. Picking songs is another must to be ready for the beginning of the year. "I look at the talented singers in my group and find things that will both challenge them and interest them," states Mrs. Mahr. "I also consider what the end goal of the work they are doing is. There are many different types, styles, and formats of music they sing throughout the year." 
     Jazz sets, Christmas sets and show choir sets are just a few items that the Cardinal singers work on. These different sets require lots of time and preparation before performance time. Mrs. Mahr said, "The process for show choir season is to break the individual pieces down into vocal parts, run sectionals, practice, and slowly put all of the pieces into place, practice some more and then start adding choreography, practice, then put all of pieces together and perform!" 
     Not only do the Cardinal Singers perform for the community's viewing, but they also travel for competitions, festivals, and participate in many fundraisers. "This year the singers had their Sweet Singsations which was held on October 20, an ice cream social that will be held the 29th of October and perhaps a dessert event after the winter concert," said by Mahr, "Fundraising money goes towards the costs of travel, music, supplies, equipment, and registration for special events." 
     After two years of directing the Cardinal Singers, Mrs. Mahr has made some great progress. She said, "These kids are talented, crazy, intense, funny, committed, and really fun to work with! I love directing them and I can't wait for the years to come."