The “Voices of Rock” concert featured a combination of choral vocals, modern contemporary music and a rock n’ roll sound by the Viking Chorale, Viking Singers and the official rock band on Oct. 12 in the Bob and Barbara Ellis Auditorium on LAC.
The concert opted for a contemporary pop and rock-themed performance dominated by electric guitars, screamo, and headbanging, which marked a departure from the usual orchestral sound these concerts typically feature.
“I’ve been trying to mix things up a bit for students and myself,” director Skye Angulo said.
The idea of a rock concert came to Angullo after the mid-semester musical theater concert last semester.
“I’ve seen more contemporary pieces growing in popularity,” Angulo said.
Though the Viking Chorale and Viking Singers started with a par for the course orchestral opening song, once the LBCC Rock Band came in, the show shifted to a fully pop and rock experience.
“Viva La Vida” by Coldplay and “Creep” by Radiohead were just a few amongst the recognizable hits popular amongst more contemporary audiences performed at the concert.
Many singers also had the chance to perform solo on some songs, including LBCC adjunct professor Kellie Krueger, a former professional opera singer and professional rock vocalist.
Krueger sang “Bloodletting (The Vampire Song)” by Concrete Blonde with the members of the LBCC rock band for an all-out performance of her rock-singing roots.
“It was a great experience seeing my students perform, and it was awesome performing with other students,” Krueger said.
LBCC adjunct professor Kellie Krueger strikes a pose after her performance of “Bloodletting (The Vampire Song)” by Concrete Blonde at the “Voices of Rock” concert at the auditorium at LBCC. (Dom Maddan)
Other highlights of the event include the performance of rock classic “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, sung by the Viking Singing group, along with a group performance of “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire sung by the Viking Chorale.
Dancing ensued all around the auditorium for multiple portions of the concert by both the audience and performers.
“Dancing in the aisles was an experience”, said bass Viking Singer Noah Church. “It was more chill than I thought it would be.”
The concert was also seen as a great way to help the singers with their performing styles.
“It gives us a balance, it’s good for music majors to know that you have to know to sing all of it,” Angulo said.
The next LBCC music department concert will be Dec. 6, with a more traditional classical sound and a collaboration with the Korean American Music Children’s Chorus.
You must be logged in to post a comment.