Portland Choir & Orchestra's video: Backstage with PCO - Episode 10: Fun on stage: Performances with choir choreography

On this episode we examine several performances that include choreographed movements by members of the choir—sometimes the whole choir. We discuss the phenomenon of ‘choralography,’ when choirs add choreography to their performances. And we’ll show short excerpts. We also include a link so you can watch the entire performance of each selection. 00:00 Enchanted Medley, by Alan Menken & Stephen Schwartz. We start with a fun medley of songs from the animated Disney movie Enchanted. I have been in love with this piece since we performed it in 2012. It opens with a cute princess solo, but eventually the whole choir joins in the fun. You can watch the entire performance at https://youtu.be/eVe7tf8k1ZA 11:52 Cindy, by Mack Wilberg. Here is a great example of using choir choreography to enhance a folk song. Cindy includes a hoedown-like section and the choir adds its energy to the performance by hootin’ and hollerin’ and stompin’ and clappin’. You can watch the entire performance at https://youtu.be/rUo2ICJ7ZKE Episode 1 of Backstage with Portland Choir & Orchestra is at https://youtu.be/duI7oopMXZg 15:35 The Twelve Days of Christmas Confusion, by Chris R. Hansen. In this fun mix-up song the choir seems unable to decide which song it is singing until it becomes near all out war between the altos, tenors, sopranos and basses. You can watch the entire performance at https://youtu.be/cezewMIy1FU 21:38 Skip to My Lou, by Dan Forrest. Another folk song, Skip to My Lou is interesting because the choreography is written right into the score—arranger Dan Forrest gives detailed instructions for every finger snap, clap and tongue click throughout the piece. You can watch the entire performance at https://youtu.be/hksn3HaWTGQ