ROCKPORT — The sound of robust, youthful voices will emanate from within First Baptist Church this evening compliments of the Rockport public schools' "Choral Big Gig" concert.

The annual event, which features performances by each of the schools' five choirs, is scheduled to begin at 7 tonight with a series of songs performed by the Elementary School and sixth-grade choruses conducted by music teacher Laurie Tuck.

Tuck, a member of First Baptist Church, was influential in securing the church as a location for the concert, which faced cancellation if an alternative site could not be found, high school music director Jim Davison said. The concert is usually held in the school auditorium.

"There were so many things going on, we were forced either to find another venue, another time, or to cancel the event," Davison said yesterday. "We chose to find another venue and (Tuck) arranged for us to go to the church; it's a nice venue."

Patti Pike will lead the seventh- and eighth-grade chorus as it performs "Hallelujah" from the "Shrek" soundtrack, the Latin hymn "Gloria in Excelsis", and student-favorite contemporary piece "Stand Together."

Pike said the High School Madrigal Chorus will sing Billy Joel's hit, "Longest Time," which will also showcase senior solo performer Leah Wyner.

The Madrigal Choir will also perform the Renaissance piece, "Fine Knacks for Ladies," which "puts down the frivolities of women," Pike said yesterday, as well as the African-American spiritual "Ride the Chariot," which features a powerful solo performance by junior Gillian Hurst — only the second Rockport student to ever qualify for All-Eastern vocal competition.

Each chorus will sing for about 10 minutes, starting with the elementary and concluding with a seven-song medley of show tunes from "West Side Story" performed by the full high school chorus.

"It's an amazing arrangement," Davison said yesterday. "The music is magical, every piece is your favorite piece, there's not a filler in the (medley) and I think the kids really love it too."

The medley offers showcase performances for soloists Kristy Levick, Ben Tuck, Wyner and Hurst.

Last year, the high school choir performed songs from "Fiddler on the Roof." The choir has also performed songs from "Phantom of the Opera" and "Les Miserables" in recent years.

Jonathan L'Ecuyer can be reached at jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.

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