WHS choral department sings for Sydney
By Lisa Schwartz Special to the Thousand Oaks Acorn

WINTER DOWN UNDER- The Westlake High School Choral Music Department has just returned from a trip to Australia. Taking a break in the busy schedule are alumni parent Steve Gewertz, left, and WHS Choral Music Department Director Alan Rose. In the background are the Sydney Harbor bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

Alan Rose, director of Westlake High School's choral music department, was a man with a dream. After visiting Australia with the high school's band several years ago, he was determined to return to Australia with members of his choral music program-and have them perform in the Sydney Opera House.

Rose's tenacity paid off this year. From July 16 to 30 Rose and company-staff, choral performers, alumni, chaperones and companions, 190 people in all-went to sing in Australia.

The trip began in Sydney with the high school choral performers splitting into pairs and staying with host families. These families lived in Mona Vale, a suburb of Sydney not unlike Westlake Village.

In Sydney the choral performers sang a 45-minute selection of music at the Sydney Opera House. They also performed in several smaller venues including the allmale King's School, Australia's oldest high school.

Off time was spent taking in many of Sydney's and the outlying area's popular tourist sites and traveling to visit an animal sanctuary, beach area, and finally having the opportunity to snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef. Asked what their favorite part of the trip was, students cited their host families and friendliness of the Australians. Chloe Rems said "performing at the Sydney Opera House was inspiring. The acoustics were fantastic."

This account was provided by student Lisa Schwartz.