By Meg Peters
Review Co-Editor
There wasn’t a moment to think for Lake Orion High School Choir Director Bryce Thompson.
He, and 77 of his choir students, had the Star Spangled Banner to sing to the Comerica Park fans on Saturday.
‘I was just in the moment. I had a job to do, and so did they and it is beautiful when all of the details are taken care of between each person,? he said.
After a close call against second place winners Dakota High School choir students, the LOHS choir won first place in the Comerica Bank Star Spangled Choir National Anthem singing contest, thanks to the outpouring of community support.
The LOHS choir traveled to Comerica Park for the Detroit Tigers game on Saturday to sing the national anthem, and accept their $5,000 prize.
‘The process of spreading the word, sharing our submission video, and asking our community to get behind us ended up being really rewarding,? Thompson said.
The LOHS choir was selected as a top 10 finalist the first week of September after submitting a YouTube link of the choir singing the National Anthem last year, which Bryce luckily had on hand seeing as they found out about the contest.
The public had until September 20 to elect the best version of the national anthem between the top ten choirs, which they did so on Facebook, and the Dragon community came through. ?
‘It was just as humbling and special to see the Lake Orion community to get behind us as it was to win,? Thompson said.
Plans for the $5,000 include a new set of risers for the choir, which they desperately need, he said. New risers cost about $17,000, so the $5,000 will be a great help.
What about the experience?
Originally only the students in the submitted video were going to sing for Tiger’s fans, but Comerica allowed several more of the 140 student choir the opportunity to participate.
From the excited energy buzzing through the singers in the Tigers? tunnel, to the professionalism they exhibited when called to sing, Thompson is extremely proud.
‘There was no doubt in my mind that they would be great because they are very prepared. It was just special to see them shine on a bright stage like that.?
Instead of a tiered system of beginners, intermediate singers and advanced, Thompson separated the choir into three groups specializing in different voicing and different types of music. Thompson said the non-tiered organization has contributed greatly to their growth in the past three years, both individually and corporately.
This year is a big year for the choirs. They have already auditioned and been accepted for two state-level performances, and are currently working hard in preparation.
Also, their first LOHS concert is coming up, on October 22 at 7 p.m.
The school concerts are free, and as always, the main goal is to get people moving to the music.
‘Everything we do in class is with this goal in mind.?
Another goal for this year is to step outside the high school, and sing more often in the community. In the past the choirs have been hired out to carol for local businesses and private family parties, and are up for the challenge again. Thompson is also encouraging different settings and more segments of the community to get involved this year. Interested parties can call the high school at?248-693-5420.
Who wouldn’t want one of the superstar, Tiger’s acclaimed choruses to sing for them?
‘That was an experience that is hard to replicate elsewhere. I am, and we are, thankful for the opportunity,? Thompson said.