Lutheran High School Westland’s Music Director Travis Cook had seen numerous videos that looked like a Zoom conference and was inspired create one with his Honors Choir. “I wanted to keep the choir singing and keep making music with the kids,” said Cook.
But problems with video connections and internet speeds make it almost impossible to create this with Zoom, so Cook taught himself how to edit video through online YouTube tutorials. Then he gave each member of the choir their assignment—to find a quiet place to sing the Old Irish Blessing. Some students recorded themselves it in their cars, others in their rooms, and one student did it in the family barn.
Singing by themselves with no director or other students to help out posed some challenges. Many students worried that it might not be perfect or even good enough. LHW senior Hannah B. kept practicing and waited until the last possible minute to submit her part to Cook. “I had been practicing all week,” said Hannah, “and this was not going well, but then I decided to do it anyways cause I wanted to be included.”
What they put together was beautiful and got an incredible response from their community. You can listen to the entire song right here:
While the seniors should be entering their final days of high school, these days are unlike anything they could have imagined. Kenedee G. called it “crazy.”
Susan G. said, “I’m really sad. I’m gonna miss my senior season of track.” All the students were disappointed they can’t hang out with their friends, but being able to create this video was a blessing during the COVID-19 quarantine. Now the choir is back to practicing and excited to create a few more videos.
Click here to see the story in video format:
Interview screenshot by Jeff Heisner/Michigan District, LCMS.
Joyce Gozdor - April 22, 2020
This was absolutely beautiful. Great performance. Thank you.
Kathleen Ellison - April 23, 2020
Beautiful !
Lori Stolzenfeld - April 23, 2020
Beautiful!! Blessings to all of you. God’s strength, grace and peace be with you as you keep on singing His praises!!!🎶🎶🎶🙏🏻💕✝️
Janet hirst - April 23, 2020
Beautiful beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing ❤️❤️🙏🏼❤️❤️
Nancy Faith - April 23, 2020
Thank you for sharing. Love the kids and their singing
Carol - April 23, 2020
Nicely done. Brought tears of joy to my eyes. Keep up the good work. “Serve the Lord with gladness. Come into his presence with singing “
Bill Ruth - April 23, 2020
Very nice! I belonged to the DLHS Senior Choir in 1955, 1956 and 1957. At that time we had 88 students participated and we did numerous concerts along with TV appearances, Detroit Christmas tree lighting and the Christmas appearance at the Michigan Central Depot. It was alot of work but very enjoyable. The group sounded great and it was missed. Keep it up Lutheran Westland, it’s a worthwhile task.
Caroline Henze - April 23, 2020
So beautiful and it was a very uplifting to hear the song being sung in such glorious way and May God be with All during this uncertain time we are in🙏🙏🙏🙏
Kimberly Krause - April 23, 2020
Awesome!!! Thank you for sharing
God Bless you all💜💜
Sharyl Van Vechten - April 23, 2020
Brought years to my eyes and a smile to my heart. God bless you with His peace! Keep His gift of music with you through this challenging time and beyond!
Irene Beethe - April 23, 2020
How beautiful! May the Lord bless each of you with His love, peace, joy and hope! Joy in Jesus , Irene Beethe -Weston Wisconsin
Ed Shumate - April 24, 2020
Thank you , God brings His best in times of trials and you young adults brought Joy to my heart ! May the Lord Bless you all , this Nation is in great hands with all of you moving forward to serve your Faith.
Mary Craaybeek - April 28, 2020
Thank you, all, for your dedicated work and devoted attention to create a piece that glorifies God! (And you all were learning more through the whole process!!
Roger O. Kohtz - April 28, 2020
Much appreciated for its timeliness! Blessings upon all those who sing to the Glory of God in our Christian Choirs.
Kim and Tammy Walter - April 29, 2020
After watching and listening to this beautiful rendition we felt uplifted and realized with young people like this in our midst we will prevail! It’s been said “your talents are your gifts from God, and what you do with those talents are your gifts back to God! God bless you all!