The James A. Garfield Music Department celebrated an evening of song and spirit with its 2025 Spring Concerts, held back-to-back on May 13 in the Iva Walker Auditorium. The night began with the G-Men Youth Choir and was followed by the High School Concert Choir, showcasing the full spectrum of Garfield’s vocal talent—from budding fourth graders to graduating seniors.
The evening opened at 6:00 p.m. with the G-Men Youth Choir Concert, directed by Mr. Joel Logan and featuring students from 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. The young performers delivered a heartwarming and energetic performance, proving that Garfield’s choral tradition starts strong and early.
The program included three songs: “I Wonder” by Riggio and Jennings, “When We Sing” by Wilson, and the show-stopping “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman, arranged by Huff. The students sang with joy, confidence, and charm, bringing wide smiles to a packed audience of family and friends.
Following the youth concert, the James A. Garfield High School Concert Choir took the stage for their 2025 Spring Concert under the direction of Mr. Joel Logan and student teacher Ms. Tori Mateos. Mr. Logan welcomed the crowd warmly, noting the journey from youth choir to high school ensemble.
“This is the premiere ensemble,” he said of the high school group, which he described as the culmination of Garfield’s choral program.
The Concert Choir opened with “Cantate Domino”, a Latin piece meaning Sing to the Lord a new song.
“Though not every student may be religious necessarily,” Logan said, “we can celebrate the music that comes from these traditional texts as just being a joyous experience and a joyous song.”
The program moved through a range of emotions and styles, from the gentle “The River Sleeps Beneath the Sky”, to the upbeat “Count On Me” arranged by Ms. Mateos, and a rousing, barbershop-style performance of “In the Good Old Summertime”, featuring Mr. Cebulla and honorary choir member Ollie May.
“Mr. Cebulla and I are trying to very subtly tell everyone what we’re going to do if we both just don’t show up to work one day,” joked Logan. “We’ll be in Disney trying to be a part of the Dapper Dans.”
A highlight of the night came with “Rise Up”, featuring soloists Addison Truce, Abygail Seiler, and Hallie Cebulla. Their heartfelt delivery added emotional depth and earned enthusiastic applause.
Special recognition was given to seniors Abygail Seiler, Hallie Cebulla, and Marshall Dahlen, all four-year choir members.
“All three of them are phenomenal musicians and great people,” said Logan.
He also presented the National School Choral Award to Marshall Dahlen, the highest honor in the program.
“I don’t know if he’s crazy or if he just really likes choir—it’s probably both,” Logan added with a smile.
The night concluded with “From Now On” from The Greatest Showman, with Dahlen returning as soloist. Logan reflected on the song’s meaning to the choir during the pandemic, when students sang six feet apart but still felt united through music. “We could get up and sing together,” he said.
