Barbara Lawlor,  Nederland.  Walking through the halls of Nederland Middle Senior High School during lunch, it is hard to imagine ever taming the cacophony of chatter, laughter and youthful shrieks into any sort of unity, much less pleasant sound.

However, choir director Liz Evans manages to do just that. When her students take the stage, they become focused, intent on opening their mouths and having the right notes join in harmony with their classmates.

Last Wednesday’s fall concert was performed by students in 6th through 12th grades, the Festival Choir, and the Loquations. All together, 80 students took a deep breath and sang their hearts out.

The 6th through 8th grade choirs, many of them making their debut performance on the NMSHS stage, opened with “Tongo.”  Then the 7th and 8th grade sang a contemplative version of the rose.

The Festival Choir opened with “Old Dan Tucker” and “Go Way From My Window.”

The Loquations performed “April is in my Mistress’ Face.”

Each choir had a couple of performances and the Loquations ended the night with “Ubi caritas,” and a standing ovation.

As usual, the auditorium was filled to the brim with relatives, friends, and locals who have come to appreciate the efforts and talents of our students, who find harmony with each other as they perform.