Exchange students to sing at state

Tar Buddhakosa's first language is Thai, and Cristian Saavedra's is Spanish. At school, the two Whitefish High School exchange students speak and write in English — but together as a singing duet, it's all Latin.

The two-some, who started singing together this semester, will travel to Helena this weekend to compete in the state solo and ensemble competition. There, they will present the Latin piece "Panis Angelicus' — the same song they performed last week at the District 1 Music Festival. Judicators at the festival gave them a superior rating, which garnered the opportunity to sing in Helena.

According to Saavedra, the language obstacle presented in their choice of song isn't the duet's top concern when harmonizing together.

"We don't worry about the words too much, just the notes," he said.

Whitefish chorus teacher Nicole Sanford said "Panis Angelicus' is one of the most challenging pieces the school will take to the competition.

"It has a wide range of notes and some difficult harmonies throughout," Sanford said. "Not to mention, it's a prayer to God and must be sung with many dynamic contrasts."

As for the language challenges they have faced, she said, "There were a few struggles with some words, but they're fast learners."

Saavedra, of Chile, said learning Latin was tough, but in some ways it was easier for him than English because of its kinship with his native language. For Buddhakosa, who is from Thailand, the barriers were a little taller.

"I'm not good at Latin," he said with a wide smile.

They chose the Latin song because it best fit their tonal range. Buddhakosa is a baritone, so they needed a song that worked with his deep voice.

"We needed a piece that was not too high and not too low," he said. "This piece is good for us."

Sanford commended their abilities as a duo, saying Buddhakosa has a good ear for music.

"His intonation is excellent," she said. "Cristian adds energy and has a great sense of the rhythmic feel."

The two started singing together after Buddhakosa joined the school's choir as the group's only male. Anxious to even out the gender divide, he recruited Saavedra. They soon learned about the state competition and decided to work together toward an invite.

Saavedra thinks they impressed the judicators at the district festival because they were relaxed and were having fun.

"Our attitude was different," he explained. "We were fun, more than scared. We were more confident. I really like singing because I gain more confidence in myself."

Along with the duet, Saavedra will sing solo and with the prima voce at the state meet. He's also in the upcoming play "Sweeney Todd" and played on the varsity soccer team.

Buddhakosa plays percussion in the school's band and drum line, and plays on the tennis team.

Saavedra said the foreign exchange program is always encouraging them to join as many clubs and groups as possible, and that the choir happened to work out exceptionally well for both him and Buddhakosa.

The two will return to their home countries at the end of June.

"It's been a great experience here," Buddhakosa said. "Everyone is really nice."

"I've learned a lot about the culture and the different customs," Saavedra added. "It's really fun. It's like an adventure."