Crimsonaires dancing their way back in the spotlight

Crimsonaires dancing their way back in the spotlight

Arts and Entertainment, Feature, Music Comments Off on Crimsonaires dancing their way back in the spotlight

by Elizabeth Rieth

Glittery dresses flash and silver tuxedos shine. The Crimsonaires are here to perform once more.

They will perform their Fall Preview at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, October 25. Tickets will be $4 at the door.

The Crimsonaires are a show choir, which means they sing and dance, according to director Marcia Yost. “A good way to describe the group is to think about the performance group in the show ‘Glee’ without all the drama!” said Yost.

They perform around 30-35 times a year. Often, the Crimsonaires performs for the community at places like Greencroft and several different elementary schools.

Yost wants the group to inspire and entertain. She said, “I hope that we are wonderful ambassadors for Goshen High School.”  

Director Katie O'Leary works with the crimsonaires ( /Talon Staff).

Director Katie O’Leary works with the crimsonaires during a block period on Wednesday (Maria Murillo/Talon Staff).

Yost also said that she always hopes to have a great time with this group. She hopes that it entertains and inspires others. Also, they sing and dance to a variety of genres such as pop, broadway, rock and roll, jazz and a cappella.

At the upcoming performances, there will be a mix of songs for all music lovers. Yost said, “There will be a variety of songs:  newer selections like ‘Heartbeat Song’ and ‘Shut Up and Dance’ to pop standards like ‘I Love Rock and Roll’. There will also be several special small ensembles with members of the group.”

This year, a new director has been brought into the Crimsonaires. Former Crimsonaire Katie O’Leary who once sang and danced with the group now directs it.

Along with co-directing Crimsonaires, O’Leary also teaches Crimson Chorus, co-teaches IB Music and teaches the 6th and 7th grade choirs at GMS.

O’Leary loves teaching Crimsonaires. Once a Crimsonaire herself, she is “acutely aware of the capabilities of the this ensemble as a whole” and understands the hard work that goes into it.

Director Katie O'Leary works with the crimsonaires during a block period on Wednesday (Maria Murillo/Talon Staff).

Director Katie O’Leary works with the crimsonaires during a block period on Wednesday (Maria Murillo/Talon Staff).

She is able to view the process of being a Crimsonaire from a different perspective now. O’Leary is able to watch students grow, rather than be the student that is growing. She said, “There is nothing more exciting than watching students become people who think for themselves, are independent musicians, solve problems, and have fun together.”

O’Leary feels privileged to be able to co-direct with the ensemble.

“I never expected to have the privilege of working alongside my mentor and former teacher, Ms. Yost,” O’Leary said. “I have learned there is much more that goes on behind the scenes than I ever knew… choreographing, costuming, planning and sometimes scheming.”

It was an easy decision for O’Leary to come back to Goshen. “I know and love this community,” said O’Leary. “Many moments since graduation I found myself dreaming of what it would be like to return. When the opportunity arose and I learned that I would be able to work with such wonderful students and fellow educators, it was an absolute no-brainer. I am so happy to be back!”

Author

lshetler

GHS English Teacher

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