School Spotlight: Apple Valley High School Valley Select Chorale

Today's audio comes from the Minnesota chapter of American Choral Directors Association 2014 Choral Arts finale concert at Orchestra Hall. The ensemble was led by director Joel Beyer.

• 7:15 a.m. — Ola Gjeilo: Ubi Caritas

1. 7:15 p.m. — Jeffrey Ames: Let Everything That Hath Breath

1. Web only — Robert Schumann: Zigeunerleben

Apple Valley High School (AVHS) boasts 6 co-curricular vocal ensembles, including the Valley Select Chorale, an auditioned mixed choir comprised of 64 juniors and seniors. Rehearsing for 50 minutes every day of the school week, the choir tackles a range of composers and styles from Gjeilo to Schumann to Whitacre. Throughout the academic year they perform at a variety of venues outside of school events. Last year, they were selected to perform at the MN-ACDA 2014 Choral Arts Finale concert at Orchestra Hall. This March, 50 choral students from AVHS will be participating in a MidAmerica Productions project in New York City, with a culminating performance at Carnegie Hall.

The choir room at AVHS provides joy, solace, learning, and community. For some students, the music reaches even further, bringing healing or a place to escape the struggles of reality or a calming influence. Participation in this choir has helped a student struggling with depression realize that life is worth living. "Without choir I don't know what would become of me," says a girl who lost several family members in the past year, including some to the Ebola outbreak in Liberia. It brought together people that otherwise might not hang out together. As all the students are well aware, however, the opportunity and privilege to come together and sing is a gift for everyone.

Upcoming concerts The Masterworks Concert is Tuesday, March 17th and the Spring Pops Concert is on Wednesday, June 3rd. Both concerts are at 7:30 p.m. at AVHS.