November 30, 2023

For many years, our choirs have been invited to perform, and this year is no exception.  The two groups will be performing on Sunday, December 3 at 6:00 pm for 45 minutes. This year, one of the pieces performed by the Vocal Ensemble is called “There Is No Rose of Such Virtue” written circa 1420, anonymous. The music arrangement was composed this fall by Don Adams, PCS Jr High teacher.

On the first day of this fall’s teacher in-service, PCS Band and Choir Director, Mr. Ostrand aka Mr. O, casually mentioned to Mr. Adams that he needed a slow Christmas carol for the choir’s Christmas performance at The Grotto. If you’ve been to The Grotto you’ll understand this request!  Two days later, Mr. Adams shared this piece with Mr. O. It took him just two days from start to finish to compose the music. He first sought out Christmas lyrics that were old – and found this piece from 1420! He describes the process, “I saw the words and wanted the feeling of the words’ progressive fall and rise set to a melody that would swell and fall.” When he wrote the melody, he took into consideration the acoustics at The Grotto’s Chapel, “allowing for the melody to breathe.”

This is not Mr. Adam’s first foray into music composition! Last year, he wrote a musical piece “Nearer My God to Thee,” which he shared with Mr.O, PCS Band and Choir Director who plans on having the choir students learn it next semester. 

Mr. Adams was exposed to acapella music in his church and by his mother. By nine years old, he had composed his first piano piece. He remembers always having music in his life, always performing, often in choirs. His educational background includes degrees in Bible and Music Education, and he now teaches Portland Christian’s Jr High NT (New Testament) Survey, Media Arts and Digital Music Production. Mr. Adams has listened to the Ensemble practicing his arrangement, and describes it as “wonderful.” 

With just a few more days before the choir performs at The Grotto, Mr. O shares, “It has been a special experience to see Mr. Adam’s arrangement come to life! He uses a beautiful blend and lush layered chords in his composition, and the Ensemble has enjoyed the learning process on this piece!”

Come hear the choirs this weekend and see how wonderful they sound at The Grotto Christmas Festival of the Lights.

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Written by Grace Dugger