As Binghamton High School’s vocal groups prepare for the annual spring concert, they’ve had a special guest to help get them ready.
“It’s amazing, you can tell that when he works with the choirs and gives them feedback, how they instantly take it and use it, it’s so wonderful,” said BHS Choral Director Jennifer Easley.
Nationally-renowned choral composer and director Dr. Kirby Shaw spent the days leading up to the performance working with the singers in each of the school’s five singing ensembles. He will also direct select numbers at the show, which features ten songs Shaw arranged himself.
“It’s really cool to have him here - it’s good to have different perspectives and a different knowledge base,” said BHS Senior tenor Robert Somers. “I hope to learn more about what I am already good at and what I can personally improve on as a singer.”
Dr. Shaw has been teaching and working with student-musicians across the country and around the globe for 60 years. He has more than three thousand choral compositions and arrangements in print, and his work has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. Despite all his achievements and accolades, he has always had the same singular goal for his work.
“To be real as a person and to be able to express yourself in a way that’s convincing. If you’re singing a song about love, have it in your face, show your face, have your face represent whatever the tune is about,” Dr. Shaw said. “We’re all spiritual beings, and whatever I can do to make that happen is something I will always share.”
The Binghamton High School Spring Vocal Concert is Thursday, May 15th at 7:00 p.m. in the Helen Foley Theatre. Admission is free.