Alumni joined the chamber and college choirs for their annual performance of the Homecoming Choir Reunion Concert after a morning of rehearsal and fellowship Sept. 27.

“It feels like I always have a home here, and somewhere to come back and sing,” Emma Turner ’25 said. “It’s really heartwarming. It’s hard out there in the adult world, and it’s fun to be with college students and friends and singing again, and I love choir.” 

The concert began with “A Prayer Before Singing,” “The Star Spangled Banner,” and Hillsdale’s Alma Mater, “White and Blue.” 

“There’s a tradition in the Marine Corps known as ‘God, Country, Corps,’” Professor of Music James Holleman said. “We do something similar with this concert as ‘God, Country, College.’” 

Holleman said he started the alumni choir concert about 25 years ago because he didn’t see many musicians at homecoming. Alumni return when they are a part of a community, according to Holleman. 

“We started this to welcome choir alumni back to campus,” Holleman said.

He said the choir enjoys donuts, cider, coffee, and fellowship as they rehearse the concert the morning of homecoming. They used to perform at the parade, but they moved inside Christ Chapel to share the space with alumni, according to Holleman. 

“This is a wonderful tradition for us,” Holleman said. “I appreciate everyone who joined us. Alumni, welcome home.”

Senior Samuel Jarzab conducted “A Prayer Before Singing.” Jarzab said he came to Hillsdale as a music major, and has become interested in conducting during his time here. As the librarian manager for the college choir, this is Jarzab’s fourth time participating in the Homecoming concert.

“I enjoy the community, and the fellowship, and the feeling of life on campus again with the alums coming back,” Jarzab said. 

After the three introductory songs, the chamber choir performed “America the Beautiful,” “His Eye Is On the Sparrow,” and “And So It Goes.” 

Sophomores Aidan Bauer and Evie Gray performed solos in “And So It Goes,” written by Billy Joel.

The college choir closed with “Precious Lord,” “No Time,” and “Here’s to Song.” Freshmen Grace Gardner and Isaiah Sebranek performed solos in “Here’s to Song.” 

“It’s traditional for us to close with ‘Here’s to Song,’” Holleman said. “It exercises our voices and is just beautiful music. It’s very appropriate for what we’re doing.” 

Alumna Rosie Safford ’25 said she enjoyed singing familiar songs with the choir. 

“It’s fun to think of a song that we were singing freshman year for this event, and now sing it as a first-year alumna,” Safford said. 

Alumnus Stephen Berntson ’25 said he has been looking forward to returning to this concert.

“It definitely felt emotional, especially singing songs that I’ve sung before with the choir, like ‘Here’s to Song’ and ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ and the Alma Mater,” Berntson said. “So it felt emotional. It was nostalgic, and I’m glad I came.”