Over nine hundred students from eight different high schools, gathered at Bettendorf High School Monday for the 29th annual Metrofest. These students had over a four hour rehearsal, followed by a concert at 7:30 that night. Three choirs were set to perform: Opus, Treble, and All State. Each of the choirs worked endlessly to prepare multiple pieces of musical literature to showcase.
This concert has traditionally been seen as a unifying musical force within the Quad Cities, but on Monday evening this took an even deeper meaning. Before this concert on Sunday October 1, a mass shooting took place in Las Vegas killing over fifty people and injuring hundreds more. During this concert, the choirs honored the victims by taking a moment of silence. A hush fell over the gymnasium as everyone mourned those who had lost their lives. PV choir director, Meg Byrne, said, “I thought the moment of silence was very unexpected and profound.”
All three of the choirs sang two patriotic songs together: America the Beautiful and Battle Hymn. It was very powerful for these schools to come together as one and sing these songs as a community. The beautiful voices ignited a flame of unity across the gymnasium, connecting Quad Cities’ schools.
Choir director, Dr. Mark Babcock of Central College, directed the All State choir at Metrofest. He said, “If there were more people in choir, there would be less violence in the world. True joy is found by coming together and singing as one.” Dr. Babcock brought forth a great attitude. He really appreciated the music he was teaching and saw his position as more than just a choir director. He was somehow able to lift everyone’s spirits, despite the hatred going on in the world. Chamber Choir student, Brendan Roethler, said, “I really enjoyed Dr. Babcock as the director. He brought forth a positive environment in the midst of tragedy.”
This concert was very unifying for the Quad Cities. All the students had the same single purpose of demonstrating their love for the choral arts. On Monday night, Metrofest was able to connect these schools in a powerful way that went way beyond music.
