Lutheran High School Westland’s Music Director Travis Cook had seen numerous videos that looked like a Zoom conference and was inspired create one with his Honors Choir. “I wanted to keep the choir singing and keep making music with the kids,” said Cook.
But problems with video connections and internet speeds make it almost impossible to create this with Zoom, so Cook taught himself how to edit video through online YouTube tutorials. Then he gave each member of the choir their assignment—to find a quiet place to sing the Old Irish Blessing. Some students recorded themselves it in their cars, others in their rooms, and one student did it in the family barn.
Singing by themselves with no director or other students to help out posed some challenges. Many students worried that it might not be perfect or even good enough. LHW senior Hannah B. kept practicing and waited until the last possible minute to submit her part to Cook. “I had been practicing all week,” said Hannah, “and this was not going well, but then I decided to do it anyways cause I wanted to be included.”
What they put together was beautiful and got an incredible response from their community. You can listen to the entire song right here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Dsrs9LNQQU
While the seniors should be entering their final days of high school, these days are unlike anything they could have imagined. Kenedee G. called it “crazy.”
Susan G. said, “I’m really sad. I’m gonna miss my senior season of track.” All the students were disappointed they can’t hang out with their friends, but being able to create this video was a blessing during the COVID-19 quarantine. Now the choir is back to practicing and excited to create a few more videos.
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Interview screenshot by Jeff Heisner/Michigan District, LCMS.