This year’s Annual Fall Choirfest at Weber State University’s Allred Theatre exhibited a large offering of different musical styles and disciplines. Songs varied from madrigals to showtunes to jazz classics. The performance featured the WSU concert, chamber and vocal jazz choirs, the WSU Opera Company and the WSU Chamber Ensemble.

There was no chosen theme, but COVID-19’s influence was felt and referenced throughout the evening.

“Any time is a good time for a COVID story,” Mark Henderson, director of the concert and chamber choirs, remarked to a laughing audience.

Henderson took a minute to explain to the audience that due to a COVID case in the printing office, the regular programs were in quarantine, so the new programs had to be printed small on printer paper.

Karen Bruestle, director of the WSU Opera Company, said the selection of lighthearted showtunes was a hopeful reminder of how things can be as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to subside.

“It’s such a treat to be performing again,” Bruestle said.

The students had been preparing for this concert since the beginning of September.

Alyssa Hunter, a sophomore in the concert choir, said her favorite part of performing was hearing all of the music in the big hall and receiving an immediate response from the audience.

“It felt awesome to be back on stage, like a breath of fresh air to be back and in front of people,” Hunter said.

McKenna Parsons of the concert choir said virtual choirs just aren’t the same as performing in person.

“The atmosphere is really unique on a stage, and you don’t really get that anywhere else,” Parsons said.

Audience members Brian and Nadine Christensen had only glowing remarks about the Fall Choirfest performances, commenting on the good variety and how well-prepared the students were.

“They really nailed their parts,” Brian Christensen said. “I could see the enthusiasm from the students, especially on that last piece — they really enjoy what they’re doing, and it’s infectious.”