Accent! performs at the HIT

By CHARITY SMITH

csmith@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood - Luther L. Wright middle and high school vocal students offered their annual spring concert at the Historic Ironwood Theatre on Saturday night. The concert theme's was "world unity and brotherhood," which vocal music director Darin Schmidt said felt appropriate for a community and society just coming out of a global pandemic.

The concert began with the middle school choir Ayer Street Voices. The students performed a variety of songs including "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What the World Needs is Love." Their final song, "I've Got the World on a String," was arranged by one of Schmidt's former instructors and featured some doo-bop style syllables instead of words, which Schmidt said the kids really enjoyed.

Accent! took the stage wearing sunglasses with a lively performance of Elton John's classic hit "Crocodile Rock." The performance was followed by several selections that showcased the talents of individual singers within the show choir.

"We think it's very, very important to allow the students to express their own creativity," said Schmidt.

The showcase solo features included a performance of "Hopelessly Devoted to You" by Leilah Anderson. The three guys in the choir performed a rendition of the New Zealand folksong "Wellerman."

Seniors Leilah Anderson and Faith Grewe's offered "For Good," from the musical "Wicked." Anderson later sang a duet with her sister, Anneka Anderson with Bruno Mars' "Count on Me." Aiden Bach gave performed "Beat you There," by Will Dempsey, while playing the guitar. Bach said the song really meant a lot to her.

"I really hope that you find the comfort in it that I do," Bach told the audience before she sang the song.

The show also included a rendition of "Lean on Me," by the seniors. Schmidt explained that the seniors have had a difficult and complicated time in high school as a result of COVID-19 and the closure of school doing those memorable high school years, and they had to rely heavily on each other for support.

"A lot of us forget how important those high school years are," said Schmidt. "We still go back to our old high school reunions and connect with those people that we hung out with for four short years."

The concert ended with a performance of "Bridge Over Troubled Water," by the full choir.

Schmidt credited the evening's choreography to Anna Schroeter and Faith Grewe.

He said he was extremely proud of both choirs, adding the school closure has had a serious impact on the consistency of their vocal training during the last two years.

"I feel like the students worked hard to close that gap the best they could'" said Schmidt. "We appreciate that so many people came out to see the concert. The level of support in Ironwood is a special thing."

He also thanked the pit band and the HIT tech crew. Schmidt said the ability to interact with quality adults is a wonderful addition to the school music program.