During community time on Sept. 30, the Convent and Stuart Hall High School students watched a performance featuring the Liturgical Celebratory Music Class. This was the first musical performance of the year and was enjoyed by students and faculty.
The song performed was a shortened version of “Love Theory” by Kirk Franklin, from the 2019 album “Long Live Love”. “Love Theory” is a gospel song, with elements of pop and R&B throughout, centering around the theme of unconditional love and dedication to God.
“We’ve been practicing this specific song for a while now in liturgical music,” sophomore Qiara Dela Cruz said. “Dr. Harris has really been talking about our intention while singing, as well as our spirit of leadership and community as we present it for the school,”
The Liturgical Celebratory Music Class is a new addition to the high school’s course selection this year that fulfills an RTS requirement. The class includes sophomores and juniors who have had previous experience in reading music and/or acquiring music quickly by ear, according to performing arts department chair Philip Harris.
“Performing ‘Love Theory’ in front of the whole school was such a fun experience,” sophomore Emnet Elias said. “The song was also a throwback for four seniors who had performed their freshman year, which made it a cool connection between our class and theirs.”
When working on different pieces in class, performers worked independently and together while finding ways to best practice through music. The semester-long course is fast-paced and allows student singers and musicians to work together to create their own versions of songs.
“It takes a lot of courage to do that in front of your peers,” Dr. Harris said. “There’s no canvas or paper to hide behind. It’s just the message and the audience.”
Performances similar to this preview will occur during the Mass of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8. The full Performing Arts Department will host the Vocal, Instrumental and Dance Concert on Dec. 10, which will feature a dance, instrumental and vocal showcase.
“I’m really glad that we were given the opportunity to share what we’ve been working on with everyone,” Dela Cruz said. “I look forward to performing in future concerts.”
