BRIDGEPORT – Bridgeport High School and Middle School’s choirs made some beautiful music during a May 8 concert. The cafetorium was packed as parents and families turned out to listen.
The theme was Music from Sea to Shining Sea, celebrating the natural beauty of the country with selections such as “The Heart of America,” “Rocky Mountain” and “God Bless the USA” from the middle school choir. The middle schoolers also got to experiment in body percussion with “When I’m Gone.”
The high school choir performed songs included “The River of Dreams” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” They also sang highlights from “Hamilton,” with performances by soloists Johnathan Wheaton, Amyra Young, Lydia McConnaughy, Brooke Wolfe and Douglas Smith.
Students got to show their proficiency on some unique instruments including Brooke Wolfe on the flute and a performance on the ukelele by Max Doolin, who taught himself to play.
There was an emotional moment for departing seniors Jasmine Gonzalez and Jonathan Wheaton, who sang a duet of “Never far from Home.”
The night concluded with the combined middle and high school choirs singing “Bridge over Troubled Water.”
Music teacher and choir director Ashley Krieger introduced each group, saying it was a privilege to work with the students.
“Thank you for sharing your wonderful children with me. It was truly a blessing,” she said.
Afterward, Krieger recounted the growth of her young singers. This year’s performances included the Veterans Day assembly and winter concert.
“We’re always open to trying new songs and new performance opportunities.”
One recent change is that members of the middle school choir members are now able to rehearse during the day rather than after school rehearsals, so those with limited transportation could train their talent without worrying about getting a ride home.
“I’m really hoping all of our middle school choirs can continue as they get older. They continue in middle school choir and when they get older they continue in high school choir. We love to see our high school choir grow.”
She added the choirs performed for the elementary school earlier that day to encourage the little ones to consider going into music.
Krieger also complimented the seniors for their leadership and example for the younger singers.
“They’re really great students and wonderful role models for the underclassmen.”
Gonzalez and Wheaton both said they will carry their experiences with them.
Gonzalez has been a choir member for eight years. She looks forward to hearing how the choir progresses. Wheaton has been involved in music at Bridgeport since middle school and through most of high school.
Both credit their involvement in music for their growth, both as singers and in teaching them maturity as they cooperated with others. They hope to continue pursuing music in their personal lives.
Gonzalez and Wheaton both had advice for underclassmen considering the choir.
“Just try your absolute best and always believe in yourself. Just make sure you do your work and make sure you love what you’re doing,” Gonzalez said.
“Slowly increase your abilities for singing. Improve yourself. Try to take time at home if you can to practice and just do what you love. Enjoy it. If you’re not enjoying it, it’s probably not for you,” Wheaton said.
Krieger thanked everyone who made the performances a success.
“We’re super-lucky to have very supportive administration and teachers and our maintenance and custodial staff always do a great job making sure our stage and our cafeteria is ready, so I’m really grateful. That’s a lot of work they do to make sure that we’re ready to perform for the community, and I’m so appreciative that the families really show up for their students. It’s great to always have a nice big crowd when that curtain opens so the kids can perform for their loved ones.”
