Members of Concert and Select Choirs gathered on Aug. 14 for Choir Camp, an annual event in which choir members become acquainted with each other and work on improving vocal skills.

Students played a variety of games to strengthen relationships and get to know one another better. A favorite of many was the “Name That Potato” game, in which players sang a popular song but replaced words with “potato.”

Students sang a range of songs from many genres, from the Norwegian song “Eatnemen Vuelie” from the Disney film, “Frozen,” to “Praise His Holy Name,” a popular Gospel piece.

Students improved skills needed to sing the various styles of songs, how to pronounce German words and how to sing in Gospel style. In addition, students met others in their vocal sections and discovered common interests.

Members of the Academy choirs enjoyed Choir Camp.

Junior Olivia Higgins, a member of Select Choir, said, “It was a great experience because it allowed us to meet people from other choirs and get to sing with them.”

Freshman Kalei Cruz, a member of the Concert Choir, said, “It was a nice way to work with the rest of the Concert Choir and Select Choir and was really fun overall.”

Choir Camp was not just for fun but it helped students and the director get better acquainted.

Choir director Alec Schumacker said, “We got to know one another better by praying, singing, eating and hanging out together all day.”

Sophomore Elane Namoca, also a member of Concert Choir, said, “My favorite part was watching Dr. Schumacker’s interaction with the students. It’s funny how he uses fun analogies and examples to help us understand how to sing better.”

After playing an assortment of games and performing a diverse range of songs, students enjoyed a lunch of pasta and pizza.