As Signal Hill Alumni Choir (SHAC) marks its 40th year in 2024, this august group of seasoned performers are showing little signs of ageing or any suggestions of mid-life slowing down. Rather, SHAC is focused on the future and the next 40 years of contributions to arts and culture, while celebrating its accomplishments.
Between now and November, the choir is extending an invitation to performers, supporters, and audiences to embark on its commemorative journey: 2064: A Musical Odyssey. This future-focused theme looks towards the boundless possibilities in music, transcending time, and imagination.
The theme prompts reflection on the evolving landscape of musical innovation, as creators worldwide engage in a match of wits, blending the creative genius of the human mind with the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).
John Arnold, creative director, and foundation member of SHAC, says that this theme speaks to a “higher calling and greater challenge for creativity from every member” of Tobago’s, Trinidad’s, and the Caribbean’s most iconic choristers. The Odyssey, he says in a media release, “pushes for a new vision for creativity in presentation of music and movement.”
The team executing the year-long celebration is led by choir member Dexter Trim and comprises other SHAC members, including its indomitable choreographer and 40-year member, Georgina “Gidge” Peterkin.
[caption id="attachment_1086821" align="alignnone" width="819"] Caryll Warner on violins -[/caption]
They all agree that this futuristic thinking enables them to reflect on new ways to incorporate multimedia elements, futuristic visuals, and interactive technologies in all productions.
“We have an opportunity to explore the future of musical expressions, and innovations in the artistic realm,” says Arnold, “while challenging every choir member to visualise SHAC of the future and bring their ideas to the upcoming performances and the continued development.”
It is quite an appealing proposition for patrons of the three September concerts in Trinidad and the October production in Tobago. Based on the standard that SHAC has set globally, anticipation runs high as to how the team will draw inspiration from futuristic sounds and cutting-edge technology to take their game higher.
Giving thanks
Last November, SHAC began the celebrations with a yuletide concert titled Christmas Again: Songs We Sing, at The UWI, St Augustine. The choir was joined by some of its long-standing and newer friends such as Los Alumnos De San Juan, pannist/vocalist Kern Sumerville, and Tobago’s star violinist Caryll Warner.
[caption id="attachment_1086820" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Signal Hill Alumni Choir performs at its 25th Anniversary concert. -[/caption]
Warner featured again in March, at the thanksgiving service at Shaw Park Complex (SPC) to mark the anniversary date of its beginnings in March 1984. The versatile musician rendered Jireh by Elevation Worship & Maverick City, a fitting response to the sermon done by Rev Adolf Davis, Superinten
