The Arcadia Choirs are proud to announce their Fall Choir Concert, Sehati. The title of “Sehati” is translated from Malay and means “one heart” and “kindred spirit.” 

The theme of the concert, “Sehati” is fitting for their song choices as they’re “centered around identity itself,” said Choir Director Ms. Connie Tu. 

The Arcadia Unified District (AUSD) Choir, the Arcadia High School (AHS) Concert Choir, and the AHS Chanteurs will be performing on Oct. 30. at Santa Anita Church. Tickets will be on sale at the door for $10 each. 

Each group participating in the concert will perform different pieces that all go together to feature the theme of Sehati. 

The concert will also feature a performance by District Choir, a group started by Ms. Tu four years ago that consists of fourth to eighth graders. The District Choir will be singing a song called “Be Who You Are” by Ryan Main, which showcases their journey and who they are as a person.

The Concert Choir will also be performing in the concert singing songs of belonging as well.

The Chanteurs will be singing songs with the District and Concert Choirs while adding their own parts and pieces.

Junior William Wang, a member of the Chanteurs and a tenor, said that his favorite song is “My Spirit Sang All Day” by Gerald Finzi.

He feels that “being in the class, participating, is a good way to prepare for the concert.”

At the end of their set, Chanteurs will sing a song called “They Are Mother.” This song was written by Jennifer Lucy Cook who had a transgender friend and is based on that identity and finding oneself. 

This piece is “a kind of song that…speaks from the heart and echoes the spirit of ‘Who are we?’ as people” said Ms. Tu.

The song emphasizes grounding oneself in the land and rooting one’s own self in that. 

In preparation for the songs, choir practices are held one-on-one, as a whole, and in sections according to vocal range. Sectional leaders schedule meetings for their section in order to work with them on their parts. In sectionals, they work on pronunciation of the text, dynamics, and phrasing. 

Before the final night, the choirs and Ms. Tu will organize a big meeting for the whole choir department in order to coordinate and make any last-minute changes to the performance. The choirs have been working hard this year and are excited to showcase their abilities and performance.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARCADIA CHOIRS