SANG WITH FLORIDA BOYCHOIR

By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

Two Chiles Elementary School students had the chance of a lifetime when they performed in the Lord of the Rings Symphony at Mahaffey Theater Feb. 21-22.
Music teacher Jennifer LeBlanc nominated fifth-graders Cameron Barker and James Rose.
“In early November, public school teachers got a flier from the Florida Boychoir,” LeBlanc said. “James and Cameron instantly came to mind. I contacted their parents and they went in for the audition. I thought it was such a unique and wonderful opportunity for them. I am so glad they took the time to do it.”
Barker and Rose auditioned and were selected to sing with the Florida Boychoir for the performance. The Florida Orchestra, University of South Florida University and Chamber Singers choir and Clearwater Christian College choir performed together for the symphony.
The Boychoir had to perform songs from the trilogy, which meant learning the elfish dialect from Tolkien’s books.
“It was really an astonishing program,” LeBlanc said. “I couldn’t believe the lyrics they had to learn. They had to learn a whole new language. I am very proud of both of them. They are both so outgoing and naturally talented.”
The Boychoir practiced for the symphony throughout December and January with the Boychoir Choirmaster and founder Brian Collar. Markus Huber of Germany was the symphony’s guest conductor for the performances.
“It was a lot of fun,” Rose said. “The practices weren’t boring. We had a wonderful instructor. He (Brian Collar) always told a lot of jokes.”
Both Barker and Rose said they enjoyed performing on stage and hope to continue to do so.
“I would like to be able to perform my whole life,” Barker said. “I like acting. I have been in a lot of plays. I have had the lead and have been in the supporting cast. I enjoy seeing the audience applause. I know I did a good job and I know everybody enjoyed.”
Barker and Rose were offered a chance to audition and continue to perform with the Boychoir. Barker decided to stay with the Boychoir and is also a member of the Falcon’s Pride Chorus at his school.
“I love to perform in front of people,” Rose said. “It wasn’t as nerve-racking as I thought it would be. I would maybe like to be in music when I grow up.”
Rose decided not to join the Boychoir, but is a member of the Advanced Hand Bells Choir at his school.
Rita Barker, Cameron’s mother, said she was really impressed with the performance.
“An opportunity like this doesn’t come along everyday for students this age,” Barker said. “It was a wonderful experience for them. They had a chance to see what it is like to work with people in the music profession.”
The symphony not only featured music, there were also original storyboards and illustrations from the film trilogy projected on a large screen for the audience.
“It was an amazing visual journey along with the musical journey,” Barker said. “It was very effective in carrying the audience along.”
Mark Rose, James’ father, said he thought the performance was amazing.
“I think it was really neat,” Rose said. “He certainly enjoyed it. He likes doing things in the performing arts world, but this is the first time he sang. He really liked what he was doing.”