Torrance, CA (March 21, 2019): This week, BMHS’ Music Ministry was visited by Minnetonka High School’s choir from Minnesota. Arranged by Music Ministry Director, Mr. Gabe Hernandez, and TBK Band Director, Eric Hankey, Minnetonka‘s visit provided a great learning opportunity for both music groups. BMHS was Minnetonka's first stop in California, after arriving in the state the night before.

To start off the morning, the Minnetonka choir performed two amazing acapella songs. After, BMHS’ Music Ministry performed two mass songs accompanied by the BMHS band members Jared Drews ‘19 on piano, Alex Lehr ‘21 on guitar, Lauren Niro ‘21 on bass, and Jacob White ‘21 on drums. The two choirs also had the opportunity to teach each other new songs after their initial performances.

After the two groups’ performances, the students had an opportunity to ask questions about our different schools-- Minnetonka is a public high school with over 3,000 students, while BMHS is a private Catholic school with about 900 students. The two groups also asked each other about their different home states and what it’s like to live in each. In addition to the 80 Bishop and Minnetonka students who were part of the choral performances, other BMHS students from different music and art classes stopped by to hear the performances and talk to the Minnetonka students throughout the morning.

Over a pizza lunch, students were able to talk to each other, make new friends, and exchange contact information. Some students even decided to do extra performances, like one by a smaller subgroup of Minnetonka’s choir, as well as a jazz solo performance of Fly Me to the Moon sung by Music Ministry’s Brianna Smith ‘21. Despite an overcast sky and a little bit of drizzle, the Minnetonka students said they enjoyed the "warm weather," loved the overall experience of visiting Bishop, and enjoyed sharing their talents and amazing voices!

--Lauren Niro '21