On April 11, I attended a wonderful presentation by the Camas High School choir (directed by Ethan Chessin) as it accompanied Alicia Jo Rabins in the presentation “I Was a Desert: Songs of the Matriarchs” at Revolution Hall in Portland.
This event, which addressed the complex and fascinating stories of biblical women and how their lives overlap with contemporary experiences, was professionally performed and very moving. “I’m Done Dressing Up,” a song about Queen Vashti (Book of Esther), really got the choir animated. The students’ personal reflections on their fears and hopes and dreams were particularly touching.
The next presentation will be in New York City in May (feel free to send a contribution to the Camas High School choir to help fund the travel). My hope is that the school districts in Southwest Washington continue to support the arts (including dual-language immersion programs) in their schools, and that residents of those districts vote to pass school levies and bonds. (Are you listening, Ridgefield?) Our children and grandchildren are our future.
