The Munster High School (IN) Chorale performs "Bayasibiza" (arr. Michael Barrett & Mbuso Ndlovu) live in concert at Valparaiso University's Chapel of the Resurrection on September 28, 2024.
Bayasibiza is a traditional greeting song, and as is customary in Zulu culture, when entering the village, visitors need to announce themselves by calling out to the Chief of the tribe. In this rendition, the choir acts as the "visitor" and asks the audience if they may enter the stage in order to entertain them.
Munster High School Chorale
Raghuram Subramanian, soloist
William Keegan, soloist
Paul Harkenrider, soloist
Igboamaka Odeluga, soloist
Benjamin Coble, djembe
Luke McGinnis, conductor
The Munster High School Choral Department at Munster High School (IN) is comprised of four curricular choirs - Beginning Treble Chorus, Maverick Choir, Chamber Choir, and Chorale - and two extracurricular ensembles - SING (Tenor/Bass Voices) and SONG (Soprano/Alto Voices). These groups sing at five major concerts, multiple community performances throughout the year, sporting events, collaborations with professional and collegiate ensembles, and the MHS commencement each June. Programming includes an eclectic repertoire that spans from traditional to significant contemporary works, all in their original languages, and to selections that express multicultural perspectives.
The choirs have performed twice in Carnegie Hall, including once with world-renowned composer/conductor Eric Whitacre, Orlando, Florida (performing in the "Candlelight Processional" at Walt Disney World's Epcot Center), and Anaheim/Los Angeles, California (performing at Disneyland). The Chorale has performed with the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra (NISO) and Chorus, the Northwest Indiana Youth Orchestra (NIYO), at Valparaiso University (world premiere of Symphony No. 5: Return to Middle Earth by Dutch composer Johan de Meij; Northwest Indiana High School Choral Festival), performed at the 2020 IMEA Professional Development Conference in Fort Wayne, opened the second act for the Oak Ridge Boys at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, IN, and the program made its international debut in the 2023 Salzburg Choral Festival under the direction of both Dr. Edith Copley and Professor János Czifra.
The Munster High School Chorale is proud to accept an invitation by the United States Air Force and the American Veterans Center to perform in the National Memorial Day Choral Concert alongside the United States Air Force Band and members of the Singing Sergeants in Washington, D.C. Set for Sunday, May 25, 2025, this performance will take place in Concert Hall at The Kennedy Center for The Performing Arts under the Artistic Direction of Dr. Craig Jessop - Former Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Music Programs, Director of the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants in Washington, DC; and Music Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The Munster High School Chorale is also excited to sing as part of the televised Opening Ceremony of the National Memorial Day Parade on the steps of the National Archives Building. Furthermore, the entire program is set to return to Europe in 2026 and embark on a performance tour across Ireland.
The curricular ensembles have consistently earned Gold or Gold With Distinction ratings at Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) events, and Chorale has appeared at ISSMA State Finals in 2014 (11th), 2015 (5th), and 2016 (12th). The program has released two full-length, albums, Through the Valley, in May 2021 and With Love In Our Heart: Live from Austria in December 2023. Students routinely receive Gold ratings at Regional and State Solo and Ensemble Contests and are frequently selected for state, regional, national, and international honor choirs; many alumni of the program go on to continue to sing in collegiate and professional ensembles across the nation. The nationally renowned program is under the direction of Mr. Luke McGinnis.
View more at linktr.ee/munsterchoirs
2024 Choral Department Patrons
Munster Lions Club
SCM Investment Services
Anonymous
St. Thomas More Catholic Church and School
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Kathy Giannini
Lansing Cleaners
The George Family
The Tsataros Family
Anonymous
Senior Adult Friendship Club of the Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana
Anonymous
Sharon Bobeck
The Gutierrez Family
The Munster High School Choral Department extends a sincere note of thanks for the generous gifts from our donors. These gifts enable us to enhance the educational experience for our students and underwrite distinctive programming. These donations, no matter the size, are extremely valued. Interested in becoming a Munster Choir Patron? Talk with Mr. McGinnis, or email (lpmcginnis@munster.us) or call (219-836-3200 ext. 3345).
Credits: "Bayasibiza" arr. by Michael Barrett (b. 1983) & Mbuso Ndlovu (b. 1982)
Published by Walton Music Corporation, A Divison of GIA Publications, Inc.