Sisters singers shine in tribute concert

Concert-goers turned out in their best Central Oregon-formal wear for a night of musical theater last weekend - and they left the Tower Theater expressing superlatives.

The Voices of Hope Tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber turned out to be an extraordinary experience for audience and performers alike. Sisters choir teacher Rick Johnson was featured as the Phantom of the Opera, and members of the Sisters High School Concert Choir were on stage singing with him.

"It's the first time that I've performed with my students and it was a really amazing experience for everyone involved - and it went to a great cause," Johnson told The Nugget.

The cause was CASA of Central Oregon, an organization dedicated to helping abused and neglected children.

For Johnson's choir, it was a chance to witness for themselves something that they'd heard repeatedly: Their teacher is a first-rate talent.

"It was cool to see him in a different perspective," said Meganne Mills. "He was so into what he was doing. It was inspiring."

The singers hit the stage with only three rehearsals under their belt, but the production was so professional that the felt completely confident. They enjoyed Lloyd-Webber's songs, Mackenzie Ehr noted, particularly being exposed to work other than the famous "Phantom."

The performance also required a little acting.

Haley Kopp's favorite piece was "Masquerade," where the Phantom appears on a balcony and threatens the choir. The scene involved a little acting.

"You were really into the song," Kopp said.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's music has touched millions through plays such as "Phantom," "Cats" and "Evita."

"His melodies are haunting," Johnson said. "You can't leave an Andrew Lloyd Webber show and not be singing the melodies."

Sisters' choir program has hit its stride under Johnson's leadership. The students are engaged in an activity that they say builds their confidence and demands teamwork as much as any sport. Concert choir meets during first period and it's a great way to start the day, students say.

"I know music is a big release for people," said Lindsey McAnulty. "It's a nice place to be and put passion into something you're really into."

"Performing arts build a lot of life-skills characteristics," Kopp noted. Her colleague Marissa B. Young concurred: "It also helps you find what you're really good at. It helps your creativity."

For Jaden Taylor, choir is a welcoming place that simply makes participants feel good.

"It's nice to belong," she said. "It just makes you happy in the morning."

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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