This past summer, an ordinary text message set off a whirlwind journey that ended with LCS students performing alongside world-renowned vocalist Josh Groban.
Charlotte, a Trinity Western University Theatre alumna, reached out to Cody Friesen—LCS High School Theatre Director and House Director—to see if there were any male students or alumni from the musical theatre program willing to sing in a backing choir for Josh Groban.
Through a web of connections, Charlotte had been asked to assemble a backup choir for Josh Groban’s set at the David Foster Foundation 40th Anniversary Gala in Victoria. Charlotte runs Sea Star Productions, a musical theatre program in Victoria for middle and high school students. While she had plenty of talented female singers, she was short on male voices.
That’s where Langley Christian School came in. Having heard glowing reviews about the school’s incredible theatre program and talented students, Charlotte reached out to collaborate.
Two Weeks to Build a Choir
With only two weeks to assemble the group, Mr. Friesen connected with Mr. Murdock to coordinate availability, and together they built a list of current students and alumni to invite.
By Friday, August 7th at 8:00 PM, the team gathered for rehearsal to learn their two featured songs: Adele’s Skyfall and Josh Groban’s signature anthem, You Raise Me Up.
The next morning was a whirlwind schedule:
- 8:00 AM: Boarded the ferry to Victoria
- 10:00 AM: Rehearsal with the full choir
- 2:30 PM: Stage rehearsal with Josh Groban and David Foster
- 7:00 PM: Assembled on the barge stage to await their performance
Sharing the Stage with World-Class Talent
While waiting for their turn on stage, the 30-member choir had front-row seats to an unbelievable lineup of world-class performers, including:
- Sydnie Christmas (Winner of Britain’s Got Talent)
- Pia Toscano (American Idol)
- Loren Allred (Voice of Jenny Lind in The Greatest Showman, “Never Enough”)
- The Tenors
- Sheléa (Grammy-nominated singer)
- Katharine McPhee (American Idol, Broadway, TV)
- Daniel Emmet (Trans-Siberian Orchestra & David Foster Tour)
- CeeLo Green
To top off the experience, the crowd was treated to a flyby featuring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds in their CT-114 Tutor jets alongside three Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornet fighter jets from Cold Lake, Alberta!
An Unforgettable Experience
Performing live in front of a packed crowd of over 60,000+ people was surreal. After stepping off the stage, the entire choir stood on the back of the barge alongside the headlining stars to watch a spectacular drone show and fireworks display over the water.
Everyone walked away deeply honored to be there, blown away by this God-given opportunity, and so proud of how the LCS students and alumni represented the school, shared their gifts, and made unforgettable memories on the big stage!
For more information about our high school programs or to schedule a campus tour, visit langleychristian.com/high-school or contact the Admissions Office.
