Short on time but full of dedication, the Baker University concert choir is only a few rehearsals away from its annual fall concert.
The choir has put together a program that includes new and challenging music only six weeks into the semester, but Professor of Music John Buehler said he sees the lack of time to prepare as a great challenge.
“It’s very difficult to prepare a concert in six weeks,” Buehler said. “We are doing some significant pieces. The music is somewhat complex, and much of it will be done in foreign language.”
Junior Rebecca Fraley sings in the choir and said the selections in a foreign language can be the most difficult aspect of putting together the concert.
“We always have difficult music, but this semester seems more difficult because we have a lot of German songs,” Fraley said. “This can be challenging at times, but when you have a good group that works hard, it can be a rewarding experience.”
Associate Professor of Music Susan Buehler said putting together the concert for the fall is difficult for the students and faculty alike.
“It is a challenge for the students and for Dr. Buehler, too, because he has to select literature that will enable students to learn it in time,” she said.
Susan Buehler said students must show a lot of dedication for the concert.
“It is a goal that’s established right off the bat,” she said. “It is something they have to work toward. They must be focused and work in a diligent manner.”
A choir from Eudora High School will make a guest performance, singing with the Baker choir in the concert.
Fraley did not see this as an inconvenience but instead as a great opportunity to create a fresh sound.
“I’m pretty excited to sing with the high school,” she said. “I like singing with different groups. It makes for a new sound because everyone can contribute something different.”
The fall concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Rice Auditorium.