Singing at a cathedral in Europe is no small experience. But according to Martin Sirvatka, instructional supervisor of the Music Department, students involved in choir at South don’t need to travel quite so far to have that opportunity.
The Techny Festival of Music is an annual concert that showcases the talent of all choirs from both South and North. The concert, taking place this year on March 9, is held at Techny Towers, which offers singers the unique experience of singing in a building designed to amplify a choir.
“Just singing in the chapel is like […] singing in one of the cathedrals in Europe,” Sirvatka said.
Marley Hambourger, junior Master Singers and Chambers member, noted that the beauty of Techny Towers sets it apart from the other venues in which the choirs has performed.
“It’s so pretty!” Hambourger said. “It’s very different from the other choir concerts. It’s more serious, it feels more professional because you’re not at school. There’s so many different instrumentalists there that they bring in to [perform] with us, so it’s taken more seriously.”
Aside from atmosphere, Hambourger also noted that the acoustics of Techny Towers was much different than at South.
“It’s a lot different,” Hambourger said. “The acoustics in there are amazing. It’s a lot different than singing in the auditorium. The sound is indescribable. It’s so cool to hear.”
Sirvatka explained that a guest conductor is invited to conduct the concert as a way to give singers a chance to work with conductors beyond the high school scope. Sirvatka added that the concert, which is a tradition at South and North, has a distinct, high caliber music selection.
“[The music is] not popular,” Sirvatka said. “It’s legitimate, recognized-around-the-world as good choral literature. We think it’s some of the best literature out there.”
According to Sirvatka, the combining of choirs to make a joint concert can result in long decision-making processes; however, ultimately it’s beneficial to both performers and audience members.
“It’s an opportunity to combine campuses and make a large festival choir,” Sirvatka said. “Instead of competing with Glenbrook North, we get to collaborate.”
According to Hannah Mason, sophomore Premier member, the rivalry between GBN and GBS may exist, but she found it interesting that the two school choirs could work together to perform.
“We have the rivalry with GBN, so it was fun to get together with them,” Mason said. “I don’t know how [their choir department] worked in comparison to GBS, but it’s interesting how we all came together for a common interest in music.”
However, the collaboration doesn’t end there. Aaron Kaplan, assistant orchestra director, explained how the Sinfonietta, the top orchestra made up of roughly 30 students from both North and South, accompanies singers at the concert for the songs.
“For as long as Techny’s been going on, they’ve always included the Sinfonietta in the festival,” Kaplan said. “It’s collaboration not only between both departments but also both schools.”
According to Claire Fisher, member of Master Singers, each year a different guest conductor directs Techny. The guest conductor chooses the music and conducts all the groups that are singing.
“Singing with such talented vocalists and instrumentalists from GBS and GBN is a unique experience that I never really appreciated until this year,” Fisher said. “What’s even cooler is being able to work with a new conductor each year and gain a greater perspective on the musical world outside South.”
Hambourger agreed that this year’s performance at Techny prompted a greater appreciation for the Techny Festival.
“I think this year was different, being an upperclassman and being in Masters [Singers],” Hambourger said. “It’s more enjoyable, you know people a lot better and I think you just appreciate the music a lot more. You don’t find it as boring as when you were a freshman or a sophomore. You really find it more beautiful.”
