January 15, 2003

Choral-Aires make musical impression

Central High School choir selected to perform at Midwest Music Conference

By LISA PERKINS
Herald staff writer

Music educators from across the state will gather this weekend at the Midwest Music Conference to hear the best of the best in vocal groups that Michigan's school music programs have to offer. Among those chosen to perform at the two day conference held at the University of Michigan are the Choral-Aires from Traverse City Central High School.
The 16 member group, under the direction of Jeff Cobb, will perform six pieces including a brand new piece commissioned for the group by Dr. Mike Mitchell of Oakland University.
The Choral-Aires, the only vocal group from northern Michigan chosen to perform, were picked after submitting an audition tape.
"It's kind of a reward for the kids to showcase the hard work they have been doing," Cobb said. "They have worked really hard for this."
Choral-Aire member, Elizabeth Gentry, will also find herself alone in the spotlight when she performs her original composition "Run Away." The Central High School senior, has been chosen as a finalist in a composition contest to be held during the conference.
Gentry will perform the "pop/folk" song she wrote for the guitar and sing lyrics written by classmate Sam Reese. She has written more than 20 songs over the past few years and has recently recorded a compact disc of her original tunes.
"People seem to like the CD but I'm excited about performing. It's really nice to have a chance to get my music out to people and have them experience what I do," Gentry said.