This is the time of year that many Chamber students love. Early in the first semester, all the students are doing All-State preparation daily. Learning the music, and preparing for the audition is a very stressful process.

   During second semester their time is usually devoted to working on solo and ensemble pieces. That’s when students get into groups or sing solos for a judge at the State Solo and Ensemble competition. Not quite as stressful as all state, it still requires a lot of hard work and extra practice.

   This is one of the only times of the year that chamber students aren’t preparing for some kind of competition. Right now they’re all learning music in preparation for the chamber tour.

   “Personally, this is my favorite time of year. Kind of because I like Christmas music and kind of because we’re all singing together as a group,” said Sophomore Jessica Richter.

   You may be asking what the chamber tour consists of. “Chamber tours are days that chamber people go around to different places around Des Moines, and perform for places that request us,” said Senior Jesse Salmon. "This year we have a couple of tour days and go to a bunch of different places including Barnes and Noble, Kaleidoscope, Hoyt Sherman Place, Fort Des Moines Museum, and multiple other places around downtown and Jordan Creek.”

   Many people love the performances, but what makes the performances fun are the type of music.

“I love Christmas music. Most of it sounds beautiful, plus the way Mr. Walag does it sets up so many students with solo opportunities. It’s a really good way for some people to get that experience and really improve in front of people,” said senior Kourtney Richards.

   Aside from the chamber tour, chamber will also be performing at the vocal music concert. The concert is located in the Lincoln auditorium on December 21. In addition to Chamber performing, concert choir, Lincoln singers, and the prep choir featuring freshmen from Lincoln South. So come out and support the Lincoln choir program!

Sam Langfritz Staff writer