Perfect Practice makes perfect. M aking sure they kn ow exactly how to perform their selec tions , Direc tor Craig Jones prepares t h e cho rus f or the annual Lectureship program . For the past fift een y ears, the A cademy chorus has opened the University 's annual fall lectureship series . _,_ photo by John Radcliffe . OPEN UP. .. to the Academy Chorus ill hrough the years the. importance of music at Harding Academy has been exemplified through the high achievement of the chorus. From past to present , the chorus has presented the fruits of hard daily practice and depths of feeling in their music through performance and contest. The Chorus has always received good participation, with an average of twothirds of the eligible student body participating. As the Academy grew in number so grew the chorus, with membership numbering from thirty-five to a record ninety in 1982 . The Chorus weathered many changes in its history . In the past, the senior high chorus was divided into two parts: Large Chorus and A Capella . The Large Chores allowed anyone, including junior high students, who desired to sing, to become a member. This chorus met once a week in preparation for the Spring Concert. Membership into the A Capella was attained through tryouts, and rehearsals were held every week-day morning at 7: 30. The A Capella made two tours a year and participated in district and state choral tryouts and choral festivals. In 1972, the Chorus was re-organized so that anyone interested in participating had to tryout to become a member. With this new system, all members were required to tryout for tours and members who made tour were selected for their musical ability, scholastic average, and personal character. Later in 1980, chorus was added to the in-school curriculum, to the relief of inany students. Though the chorus has seen many changes, many things remain the same. As Dr. G .E. Baggett, Academy director from 1952-1963, assessed, 'The kids of this generation are different in that they have a wider knowledge of what is happening around them, but they have the same emotional needs to be met. They must learn to unite as one and work together for the common good of all, which being a member of Chorus teaches. " One can trust that the future Harding Academy Choruses will be enthusiastic and dedicated to the purpose of maintaining their most respectable heritage. 11t Chorus 301
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