Bak’s advanced vocal ensembles are gearing up for a thrilling trip to Dallas, Texas,  on April 11.  Students from almost all vocal classes except intermezzo will have the chance to perform and experience a new vocal experience. Although the trip hasn’t happened yet, the preparation is already in full gear. 

Zoe Rodriguez Croner, a 7th grade soprano, participates in Bakapella, Girls Advanced Treble Chorus, and Chorale, and shared with us insights of what it’s like preparing for the trip. 

“We are singing a multitude of songs, but I’ll just name a couple: Tchaka,  Dance for Love, and Vuela, which means flight in Spanish,” Croner stated. 

Some pieces are extra challenging compared to others, like Tchaka, a Haitian Creole song that spans over 10 pages and lasts about five minutes. “We’ve had it for a month, and we’re still not fully done with it,” she admitted.

Being able to keep up with the preparation for the trip requires dedication, drive, and skill. Croner explained the hardest and easiest part of preparing, “Making sure you have it down pat is the easiest part but making sure everyone else also has it down pat with you is the hardest part.” Croner said.

Students practice almost daily to get ready for the demanding performance, and Croner rated the intensity of rehearsals as a 7 out of 10. “It’s only so high because the vocal teachers push you just enough—they want you to succeed,” she explained.

The trip promises an exciting experience for everyone involved—a chance to perform, travel, and enjoy the performance of your fellow peers. For Croner and her classmates, the weeks of practice and preparation aren’t just about the music and the singing but about the teamwork, dedication, the fun they have along the way and the anticipation of an unforgettable event in Texas.