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Thursday, October 12, 2006
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Carrying on a tune Senior Kevin Mortensen is always singing Staff Writer If Brainerd High School senior Kevin Mortensen isn't singing, he's whistling.
Mortensen has always liked to sing, and at any given time, he can be found - and heard - singing a tune.
Mortensen made the high school's elite choir, A Cappella Choir, as a sophomore, and last summer, he was in All-State Choir. He'll perform at Orchestra Hall in February with the group.
Mortensen, who also is in Windfall, a men's quartet, and is a tenor section leader, was named Fine Arts Student of the Week for his work in choir.
Following is a question-and-answer session with Mortensen.
What are you working on in A Cappella Choir?
"Our fall concert scheduled for Oct. 27. A few of the songs we're singing are 'Horizons' and 'I Got Shoes.' Then we'll sing the same two we do every year, 'Every Time I Feel the Spirit' and "Give me Jesus.'"
Is the group ready for the concert?
"No, we're not ready for all of the songs. I hope we'll be ready. There are a couple tricky songs."
How is choir doing with the new choir director, Brian Stubbs?
"It's been a pretty smooth transition. The students listen to him and they understand him. He has a good personality."
What's it like to lead the tenor section?
"It's sometimes hard to get people to settle down when we're off by ourselves. Most of the time they're OK. It's different to be leader, but I know I can do it. I was a tenor leader last year, too. "
Have you ever sung in a different section?
Kevin Mortensen
Art focus: A Cappella Choir.
Art activities: A Cappella Choir, band and knowledge bowl.
Year: Senior.
Age: 17.
GPA: 3.625.
Artist most admired: Jim Carrey.
Favorite TV program: "Everybody Loves Raymond."
Favorite food: Steak.
Favorite song: At the time, "Desperado."
Parents: Mark and Gayle Mortensen of Brainerd.
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"This is actually pretty funny because I sang bass from seventh grade to ninth grade. Then, before my sophomore year, (former choir director) Mr. (Mike) Smith said to me, 'You're a tenor, why are singing bass?' I was shocked. I was singing in the lowest section and was put in the highest section."
How did that go?
"Some notes were high, but I got used to it. It came pretty natural for me. Now I can't sing as low as I used to.
"When I sing in my church choir, I get switched around because my voice range is so huge. I sang a solo in church for the Fourth of July, where the song went really high and really low."
Do you do many solos in the school choir?
"I do a solo every year. I'm particularly proud of the fact that I've had a solo every year. It was pretty cool when I got my first solo my sophomore year."
Do you have a favorite song you like to sing?
"No. Whatever is going through my head at the time."
What kind of music do you like to listen to?
"Most of the oldie-station music. All the stuff now seems to be the same."
Is anyone in your family into music?
"My mom had a music major in college, and she teaches piano. She also is the choir director at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd. My dad sings in the church choir and so do I and my sister. We practice every week. My mom also plays the organ and is a music teacher out at Family of Christ Lutheran School.
"We're all about singing."
You're also in a men's quartet at school?
"Yeah, we have a group together. We call ourselves Unherd Bananas off the old group called Herd of Bananas. This year, there is no Herd of Bananas or Smith Sisters. Mr. Stubbs wants students to form their own groups this year."
Any after high school plans?
"I'd like to either have a double major in music and natural resources at the University of Minnesota or have natural resources as my major and minor in music."
What's your dream job?
"To work in the fish and wildlife division with the DNR and sing or play the trumpet somewhere.
"I've always been interested in fish and wildlife and animals. My dad works with the DNR and he took me hunting at a young age and gave me books about animals. My dad is in the forestry division, but I'm more interested in fish and wildlife."
Honorable mention:
Patrick Stenglein, junior, drama: Drama director said, "Patrick eats, sleeps and breathes theater. He has been involved in every BHS drama production since the fall of his sophomore year, including this fall's production, "The Deviners." When not in rehearsal, you will find Pat working backstage, pursuing acting classes at Central Lakes College, playing theater games on the hill or performing with other organizations."
JENNIFER STOCKINGER can be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.
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