“You Shall Rise” was the theme of a Blue Earth Area 6-12 choir concert held on March 15 in the Blue Earth Area Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Following a year of struggle and strife due to the COVID pandemic, the theme felt appropriate, and its accompanying songs were a joy to hear.

6-12 BEA choir director Paul Johnson brought the select Chamber Singers group out to commence the evening.

The group sang “In Meeting We Are Blessed,” by Troy D. Robertson, with soloist Vern Johnson.

Following the Chamber Singers’ first number, the sixth and seventh grade combined choir emerged to perform two numbers: “Big Sky” by Amy F. Bernon and “I Just Wanna Shine,” arranged by Mac Huff.

Next, the Chamber Singers returned with the cheerful “Now Is the Month of Maying” by Thomas Morley.

The eighth and ninth grade mixed chorus performed a total of four songs during their portion of the evening, starting with “Come To Me, O My Love” by Petker, followed by the technically tricky “Ezekiel Saw the Wheel,” arranged by Martin. “Rise,” a Katy Perry medley arranged by Huff, was an apropos tie-in to the night’s “You Shall Rise” theme, and began with a beautiful solo by Taylor Ripley.

The group closed with the inspiring “We Can Build a Bridge,” arranged by Althouse, and kicked off splendidly by soloists Sienna Webster and Gibson Haase.

Following Blue Earth Area’s successful showing at the Solo/Ensemble Contest held at MSU-Mankato on March 7, Paul Johnson announced seniors who received a “superior” rating for their vocal solos would be performing their solos for the audience.

BEA senior Vern Johnson began the solo segment with “Sento Nel Core” by Scarlatti, accompanied by his mother Jenna Johnson.

Blake Ripley took the stage next with “The Vagabond” by Vaughan Williams, accompanied by Robyn Johnson.

Marianna Rincon followed with “Come Raggio Di Sol” by Caldara. Lauren Bleess sang “Oh! Had I Jubal’s Lyre” by Handel, and Nick Frundt wrapped up the senior solos with “Die Post” by Schubert.

BEA student Marissa Benz accompanied the final three soloists.

The BEA Concert Choir provided an uplifting conclusion to the concert, starting their portion of the program with “Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal,” arranged by Parker, and featuring Bleess as a soloist.

The Concert Choir followed with “Bend” by Pederson, precluded with readings by Rincon and Hayden Eddington.

The finale of the concert was the soulful “Like A River In My Soul,” arranged by Osiek.

BEA’s next concert will take place on Monday, March 21 with an 8-12 orchestra concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center (PAC).

There will also be a large group instrumental contest held at BEA on Thursday, March 24, at 7 p.m. in the PAC.

The March music season will conclude with an 8-12 band concert at 7:30 p.m. in the PAC on Tuesday, March 29.