Judge Memorial choir to perform with Buble

It was a tall order for Ramona Mayer: get a choir ready to sing backup with Michael Buble during his concert at the E Center tonight.

After she received the call July 2, Mayer, director of music at Judge Memorial Catholic High School, knew she had some work ahead of her. ClearChannel, which handles all the tours coming through Salt Lake City, asked her to round up a 12-voice choir, but she was up for the challenge.

"(Michael's team) wanted an adult choir, but because we had a high recommendation from ClearChannel, we could use half and half," Mayer said, noting the choir is made up of six youths from her Jazz@8 ensemble as well as professional and semiprofessional Judge Memorial alumni.

Less than two weeks later, the choir is ready with only two actual practices under its belt. The choir will perform "That's All" from Buble's latest album.

"I've been very excited," Mayer said. "This speaks a lot of the Judge Performing Arts Department. We have a pretty good track record. We're very busy all year long, and I receive calls constantly for groups to perform."

Doug Clemons, 18, who recently graduated from Judge Memorial, said he had to reschedule his college orientation in Milwaukee for the performance, but it wasn't a big deal.

"My admissions counselor was more excited than I was," he said. "I'm majoring in vocal performance in college so I'm looking forward to having it on my resume, that's for sure."

Kamauri Yeh, 17, who also graduated from Judge Memorial this year, didn't believe it when Mayor invited her to sing in the choir.

"I thought she was pulling my leg or something," she said. "I think it's such an honor. It's been such an awesome learning experience."

In addition to performing with Buble, Judge Memorial choirs have also performed with Josh Groban, as the pre-show for Mannheim Steamroller and on cruise ships in the Caribbean and Hawaii.

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E-mail: twalquist@desnews.com