KRHS Choir Students Shine at 2024 OCDA High School Honor Choir

On June 24, KRHS choir students Aiden Thomas and Devin Zerkle participated in the 2024 Ohio Choral Directors Association (OCDA) High School Honor Choir under the direction of Jordan Saul, a professor of choral music education at The Ohio State University. Thomas and Zerkle were selected to perform in the group after submitting an audition.

Thomas and Zerkle had the ability to use their existing skills as well as the ones they acquired that day to create enchanting music and connect with amazing individuals. When asked about his favorite part of rehearsal, Devin Zerkle mentioned the visualization exercise that they did saying, “One of the best moments of the day was at our last rehearsal. We laid down and envisioned some things for each of the songs we were singing that night. This helped us all understand the stories behind the music.”

The day gave them the opportunity to practice and perform with students from all over Ohio, who are just as devoted to singing. Thomas said that one of the best parts of the day was when he “met someone with the same exact full name as [him].”

When asked to share something he learned, Aiden Thomas said he, “was introduced to a new way of studying music.” In addition, Devin said, “In rehearsal, we did a step-by-step breathing exercise that was new to me. Our director wanted us to understand the whole process of singing.”

During the rigorous rehearsals in sections, and as a full choir, they worked on their repertoire relating to the theme of time. The songs they performed were, “Ave Verum Corpus” by Stephanie Martin, “Time” by Jennifer Lucy Cook, “The Light We Cast” by Jessica Curry and Dan Pinchbeck, “Stabat Mater” by Sulpitia Cesis, and “Poem of Praise” by Florence B. Price and Elizabeth Coatsworth.

Thomas shared that his favorite song was “Time” because “it had a fast and rhythmic pace.” Zekrle enjoyed “‘Poem of Praise’ because of the harmonies and the jazz-like sound.”

Congratulations to Aiden Thomas and Devin Zerkle for being a part of such an exciting experience. We eagerly anticipate witnessing their musical talents during their senior year and beyond.

Author: Communications Intern Devin Zerkle (KRHS ‘25)