Upper Columbia Academy’s 105-member choir recently doubled for a few days when more than 100 seventh- through tenth-graders, representing 10 schools from the Upper Columbia Conference, joined them on UCA’s campus for a three-day choral clinic.
“I am very impressed with what is going on in the choral programs around our conference,” says Curtis Anderson, UCA’s choral director. “You can really see the difference in the students who came this year for clinic. We were able to do much more advanced music this year than we have done in other years.”
The clinic explored a wide variety of musical styles, including classics like the "William Tell Overture,” international music like “Wana Baraka” from Africa, and the old pop song “Happy Together” and some American spirituals.
Yakima Adventist Christian School’s choir, with director Shirlie White, gave a concert for vespers on Friday night. Lynn Ritz (violin) and Debra Richter (piano), guest artists from Walla Walla College, provided special music for church and a brief concert for sundown meditation on Sabbath afternoon.
The clinic culminated on Saturday evening with a full concert by the nearly 210-member clinic choir. UCA’s choir, octet and Choraliers also gave special performances. Along with improving their vocal techniques, students made friends with students from other schools and got a taste of what boarding academy is like. UCA hosts a music clinic every year, alternating choral with band.
The nearly 210-member clinic choir performs in UCA's gym to culminate the three-day clinic.
