On May 22, the Jordan Ridge community may put a little “light” in their step with choral music.

At 6 p.m., the fourth- through sixth-grade Eagles and the second- to third-grade Eaglets will take to the stage to present a series of songs centered around the theme of light. The performance will feature tunes such as the 1920s African-American song, “This Little Light,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” from the movie, “Mary Poppins,” “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah,” from the movie, “Song of the South,” and “I See the Light” from the movie, “Tangled.”

The younger choir is led by volunteers Nicole Kerr and pianist Michele Hollist, while the older choir is directed by teacher Corrine Fiso, with pianist and teacher Cindy Epperson providing accompaniment. The choir program was established about 10 years ago.

“I would really credit Cindy Epperson with the starting of the choir,” Fiso said. “I started it with her, but she was the one who was saying, ‘Let’s do this.’ She is invested in making sure the kids have opportunities, especially choir because it’s beneficial and community-building.”

The two upper grade directors collaborate, with Epperson selecting the music and finding additional performance opportunities beyond the school. While Fiso brings her experience in choir to her role, having participated in music throughout her life.

Over the years, the choir has performed at events including the Festival of Trees and sung the national anthem at Salt Lake Stars basketball games.

“A lot of avenues opened from music,” Fiso said. “My high school choir got to travel to China in 2008 right before the Olympics, so we were part of some of the pre-festivities. I sing with the South Jordan Choral Arts Choir, and we do a performance the first Saturday of every December at Bingham (High School). I’m part of a smaller break-off group that travels so we got to sing at Carnegie Hall.”

Fiso channels her passion for music when guiding the Jordan Ridge choir, which meets weekly before school. The choir begins as a large group of about 100 students to rehearse some joint songs, before splitting into the two separate choirs.

The students typically perform twice a year—once during the holiday season and again in the spring—exploring a range of themes from Disney to Broadway. The Eaglets often incorporate movements into their performances.

“They get to learn a lot of different songs, some classics, some newer. We teach them the music and to have fun with it. We do at least two parts for most songs, so they sing melodies and harmonies and we talk about that,” Fiso said. “My hope is they find enjoyment in the music. It’s fun for them to get a little bit of an intro to some skills they would use in any performing class and to be more comfortable being in front of a crowd or a group.”

Fiso said choir helps students
develop focus.

“They have to pay close attention to what’s going on so they can’t be talking to friends or looking everywhere, waving to their family when we’re about to perform,” she said.

Additionally, Fiso points out choir fosters connections across grade levels.

“They love getting together and getting to know one another. They get excited and they’ll come into class after choir, singing and humming the songs,” she said. “But they don’t always love waking up in the morning for choir practice — although they have fun once they’re here.” λ