Soulful ballads, funny songs from musicals, some famous pop numbers, and even some gospel and spiritual numbers were highlighted on Thursday, April 18, during Rome High Choir’s Spring Cabaret.
The event showcased choir members taking to the stage at the Performing Arts Center at Rome High School and singing solos or duets. The singers took to the stage and were welcomed with loud ovations and words of encouragement throughout their performances.
“Cabaret is different from our concerts. Our concerts are typically ensembles and large groups. This is mainly students doing solos and small groups. The kids can pick whatever they want to sing whether it's pop, Broadway, or gospel,” Rome High’s Director of Choral Activities said. “This gives them a chance to be featured as a soloist, a duet, or a small group. It’s a neat thing because it gives them confidence singing in small groups.”
Goss noted that the work the students do impresses him and helps the choir overall.
“I think this also helps them with the ensemble work because it helps give them more confidence. You see that this helps them grow as singers over time,” Dr. Goss said. “I love these because they're student-led. I’m always impressed watching what the students can do. There are some kids I watch singing in choir, and I don’t realize how good they are until I see them singing solos.”
Students weren’t the only performers to take the stage as Goss himself had to fill in on one number.
“Another student was supposed to sing with my daughter, but they couldn’t. I had to be a last-minute fill-in for that. That song is from the Charlie Brown musical. When I was in college, I played Charlie Brown in the musical, so I’m familiar with it,” Goss said.