SUPERINTENDENT

Novi High Choir Director, Claire Schurig, and 35 students will travel to New York City later this month to perform in the world premiere of, The Gift of the Magi, on Nov. 26 at Carnegie Hall.

Schurig said Eric Whitacre is “probably the most famous contemporary choral composer of our time.”

Schurig said the Novi students will have rehearsals with Whitacre and will also have time to see some shows during their down time.

This is the fourth time in Schurig’s 13 years as choir director, that Novi students will have performed at Carnegie Hall. Schurig said she has been invited to perform there other times, but when she received the email from Whitacre it was different.

Whitacre had seen a video of Novi students performing his “Fly to Paradise.” Based on that video, he wanted Novi to participate in this world premiere performance.

“When I am sitting in the auditorium at Carnegie Hall and my kids open their mouths to sing for the first time, in front of a full audience…singing that first note of this brand new work – I just get chills every time I think about it,” Schurig said. “I’m excited for the kids to experience that moment.”

Novi High senior Zan Malan said this is “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, not only to sing at Carnegie Hall but also to work under the direction of Eric Whitacre. He is incredibly talented, and his choral arrangements are some of the most beautiful works of art I've ever heard. I’m so excited to spread the Christmas spirit through his music.”

What is Malan’s favorite song to perform?

“My favorite song we’re performing is called Goodnight Moon, based on the children’s book Goodnight Moon, a short story meant to lull children to sleep as they say goodnight to everything in their room," Zan said. “It’s a gorgeous arrangement, and I wish I could explain the music in a way that does it justice. Every time we sing that song, I come away feeling so peaceful and happy.”

Malan said one of the best parts of performing is how they bring a story to life.

“The main set of music we will sing is called The Gift of the Magi, a story about a couple who want to give each other the perfect gift at Christmastime and their journey to find that special testament of their love,” Malan said. “It’s a sweet story and being able to lighten people’s lives, especially at Christmastime, is truly the best part. The holiday season is hectic, especially for parents. Mrs. Schurig tells us every year before the winter concert to think of lightening our audience’s lives, even just for an hour, and that is what performing is really meant to do—lift spirits and provide a reprieve from the craziness of our world.”

For more information visit Distinguished Concerts International New York or CarnegieHall.org

The Orchard Hills Choir Club has been invited to sing at Volunteers of America’s Holidays of Hope event on Saturday, November 16, at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac. The event celebrates 15 years of partnering with Oakland County School Districts for Operation Backpack. We spoke to Orchard Hills Music Teacher, Kasey Julian, about the upcoming performance for the Choir Club.

About the Orchard Hills Choir Club: ”The Orchard Hills Choir Club is an auditioned group of third and fourth graders that demonstrate exceptional musicianship skills and classroom behavior. These students are looked at as the pillars in the community and show above average classical singing abilities and work ethic for their age.

“At our Volunteers of America's Holiday of Hope Fundraising Gala, we're thrilled to have a blend of past and current choir members join us for a harmonious celebration. We'll be uniting five of our exceptional fifth-grade alumni with our dedicated team of eighteen fourth graders, and welcoming two fresh voices from the third grade. All together, we're looking forward to a choir of 25 enthusiastic students sharing the stage!"

On other future and past events involving the OH Choir Club: “In addition to this event, we also have our own concert each May and hope to participate in the Elementary Honors Choir, sponsored by the Michigan Music Education Association, when that is organized. We also held our own Choral Workshop last December and on May 18 of last year some of our members attended the Region E Elementary Choral workshop, sponsored by our Michigan Music Education Association.

Regarding what will be performed at the Volunteers of America Event: “For this event, we have chosen three pieces that celebrate friendship, childhood, and a love for music, along with one that features the word ‘water’ in various languages. This choice, coincidentally, highlights the diverse languages spoken by our choir members, including Hindi, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, and German, among others.”

On the benefits that come from these performance opportunities: ”We are absolutely thrilled to showcase the talent of our young performers and are appreciative of the invitation to share their craft with a larger, diverse audience. The dedication that these children pour into their performances is nothing short of immense, and these opportunities to perform in various settings are instrumental in their growth as performers.

“The more they take the stage, the more they blossom in self-confidence and adaptability - traits that will aid them in many future endeavors. They learn to tweak their routines based on audience response. As they share their talents, they not only entertain but also inspire others in the community, enhancing their creativity and resilience and expressing their individuality. Interacting with different audiences paves the way for future opportunities; be it connecting with fellow performers, industry professionals, or potential mentors. These interactions can be the turning point in their artistic journey. Each venue brings with it a chance to delve into different cultures and viewpoints. Such exposure augments their understanding of the world and expands their artistic vision."

Meghan Barnauskas has been busy planning the 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. for months. The students will depart Novi Middle School on November 6 and return on November 9. We spoke to Miss Barnauskas about her favorite parts of the trip.

About the highlights of the trip and changes this year to the itinerary: “This year we are very excited to be returning to the International Spy Museum after a year away. This museum is a favorite stop for students because it has a variety of interactive exhibits. As they enter the museum, students receive a top secret code name and mission. As they travel throughout the museum, they work through a top secret mission and find out if they were successful as they exit!"

“We are also excited to return to the Capitol for a tour! Since COVID, we have only toured the grounds of the Capitol, but with some help from Novi Representative Kelly Breen, we were able to secure inside tours for our group. Students will be able to explore areas like the rotunda and statuary hall.”

Regarding the excitement that’s been building at Novi Middle School for the trip: “The building has been buzzing with excitement for the trip! After the parent meeting, students have been wearing their trip t-shirts and hoodies and have been talking about who is in their group and sharing their excitement with chaperones.”

Relating to why the trip is important for students: ”Students will talk about the trip for the rest of the year! When they are in history class, they will remember certain stops on the trip, but in general, they come away with lots of smiles and laughter when they reminisce about small moments like singing together on the bus, buying matching sweatshirts, or telling jokes at dinner.”

On what she enjoys most about the D.C. trip: “I love having the opportunity to spend time with students and teachers outside of the classroom! We all get to know each other even better and it strengthens the bonds between everyone who attends!”

Katelynn Egli won the Girls Cross-Country Regional at Royal Oak last Saturday in 18:53.70 and Novi scored 78 points to finish second to qualify for states for the first time in 16 years. We spoke to Katelynn about her feat and the team’s success. The Finals will be held on Saturday, November 2, at Michigan International Speedway.

On qualifying for states: “It feels weird to say that our team hasn't had this opportunity since before most of us were born. I think it is really cool that we all get to run and compete together at such a high level. It means even more to me because I know how much my teammates and I have put into this sport and it was so amazing to see it finally pay off.”

About what it means to be regional champ: “It means a lot to me to be the regional champion because last year I didn’t even finish in the top 20. This meet has reflected everything I have worked for over the last year and the hurdles I've had to overcome.”

Regarding her expectations going into the regional: “Going into regionals I knew I wanted to stay with the top girls. My original plan was to stay on their shoulder during the race and take it up a notch during the last mile. When I started the race about a half a mile in, I realized that I wanted to take a risk and lead. I was feeling strong and was up for the challenge. At about 1 ½ miles, I noticed the girl with me was starting to fade and I knew that's where I had to take advantage and start separating myself from her. I was happy that I could get within a few seconds of my best time but I was really hoping to get a new PR (personal record).”

On the state meet: “My goal for the upcoming state meet is to get a new PR and get all-state which would mean finishing in the top 30. I also want to see my teammates do amazing and get their own PRs. Most of all, I want to take it all in and have a great run!”

Your Active Child: ADHD- November 13, 2024 - 6:30 p.m.

Visit Cook Center’s Website to pre-register and receive an email reminder before the event begins. You will also be able to access the recorded webinar at the conclusion of the event. We encourage parents to take advantage of these new resources. If you have any questions, please contact RosaLeigh Johnson, Director of Mental Health & Wellness for the Novi Community School District (rosaleigh.johnson@novik12.org).

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