Henry Wadsworth Long-fellow once said, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” Choir students demonstrated their knowledge of languages through songs and music at the Xavier High School’s Fall Vocal Preview on October 17. They sang in three different languages: Latin, French, and German. Each of Xavier’s choir groups performed the night of the preview. Xavier’s five choir groups include Women’s Chorale, Bel Canto, Voce, Singing Saints, and Xavier Chorale.

“The purpose is to give our audience a ‘preview’ of the year,” Mr. Matt Walker said. “The concert shows what we’ve been working on so far this year, but also gives one an idea of where we are headed as far as concerts and repertoire.” Walker is the music director of Xavier High School and helped the choir students prepare for the Vocal Preview. Of the songs performed, Walker found these four the ‘highlights’ of the Vocal Preview: “Let My Love be Heard” by Jake Runestad, “Exsultate” by Brian Edward Galante, in Latin, “Dirait-on” by Morten Lauridsen in French, and “Heaven Unfolding” by Andrea Ramsey.

“The songs we sang were challenging and I like seeing a piece come together and being able to perform it,” senior Jenna Ampulski said. This is Ampulski’s fourth year being a member of the choir.

The choir’s next performance will be on December 10 for Christmas with Xavier.