Northwood Chamber Chorus performed with Young the Giant at the IPSF Spirit of Excellence Gala on Nov. 9. 

Chamber choir sang as background singers while the band performed their hit song “Mind Over Matter.” In addition, Chamber, joined by 16 additional auditioned singers from other choir levels, also performed “Rise Up” by Andra Day.

“Singing with Young the Giant was memorable because they sounded amazing,” Chamber tenor singer junior Jio Yoo said. “It was a great experience and I felt a connection with them especially because some of the members graduated from Northwood.” 

Typically performing at festivals and Northwood shows, this was Chamber Chorus’s first opportunity to sing as background vocalists for a famous band. Northwood choir was specifically invited to perform because Young the Giant’s drummer François Comtois is a class of 2006 Northwood alumni. 

“It was really fun and showed me a very high level of musicianship,” Chamber bass singer senior Jeremy Shim said. “It showed me the impact musicians can have on society especially since they helped raise over a million that day.”

Chamber prepared for the event months in advance, adjusting to their role as background vocalists rather than lead performers. Until the gala, the Chamber Chorus had only one dress rehearsal with the band, practicing mainly with recordings.

“Usually we are singing the actual melody in the song but because we were background singers, the style of the music and the way we had to sing it was really different,” choir vice president junior Anh Vo said. “Performing with them was surreal and I don’t think I’ll ever forget that moment.” 

The event bonded Northwood’s choir community during the time they spent before and after the show together. 

“Everybody that was in the waiting room was talking, mingling and playing games, and it really got us all connected,” Vo said. “Choirs do better and sing better together when they are more familiar with each other and they gel. Being able to know everybody you’re singing with and having that sense of community is what makes the choir better at what we do.”

Chamber is currently preparing for the Winter Concert on Nov. 21.