Choir: Showing Up and Singing Out

It all starts in the morning at about 6:40, even before the sun rises on the parking lot and the choir building. Zero period concert choir students, many of the early risers that arrive at school at this time, are already in the classroom at a time when people are still waking up for school.

“[It’s] just waking up earlier,” said sophomore Emmy Lam, first time Concert Choir student, when describing the difference between the earliest morning class and the two other classes during first period (Vocal Ensemble) and second period (Vivace). Concert Choir is the non-audition mixed group, Vocal Ensemble is the auditioned mixed group, and Vivace is the auditioned women’s choir.

All three of the classes start in the same way: the students file into the vibrant classroom, which is covered in colors and posters, both motivational and musical, and grab their music folders from the back wall. Once the bell rings, class officially begins and students sit on the risers in the center of the room, waiting for the announcements that the director, Katie Villarreal, will give.

In concert choir, many people are still waking up, but many others are lively and friendly as always. Everyone truly comes to life when they all get together. “I like this class very much because it’s so laid-back,” said Lam. “I feel like it’s a stress reliever.”

Beyond the friendliness and unity that is a hallmark of all three groups, many members of each group have expressed their excitement over the music choices that Villarreal has made.

“From this class, I take away the idea of trusting the process and trusting the music,” said Lam, a statement that reflects just how much work Villarreal puts into choosing the music for her groups.

Villarreal has detailed her process of choosing music for each of the groups, starting with the groups that she has the clearest idea for and moving down that train of thought.

“I usually choose my theme,” said Villarreal thoughtfully when asked how concert preparations go. “And I work my way down. I look at poetry and sometimes what’s going on in society.” She picks songs of all genres for each concert that fit into the theme she wants, so the music the groups sing is never lacking in variety.

More often than not, her songs which the majority already know across all groups, and that makes a strong connection with the audience, which is incredibly important to Villarreal.

“I take pride in everything we do and enjoy all events that have taken place,” said senior and four-year member of choir, Evelin Garcia, the president of the Choir Council for the 2018-2019 school year. So far, she has thoroughly enjoyed the music selections and the performances, but just because most of what choir does is sing and prepare for concerts doesn’t mean that there aren’t important things beyond that.

“I have learned that, in order to be a learner, you need to be a follower first,” Garcia said, reflecting on what the class has taught her. “I can take away from choir that working together as a team and working hard to have a great outcome is such a great feeling.”

All teams must work together in the pursuit of a common goal, and that’s what choir is all about: all of these different people with different singing backgrounds can come together and appreciate the music. This alone creates a feeling of family and unity, something that’s an irreplaceable feeling. Even though the people in choir change every year, there’s always the inevitable bond that is made because the music brings them closer.

“The biggest thing is understanding that we’re a team,” said Villarreal. To her, “the dedication and the commitment” is the most important.

It may seem a little intimidating to an incoming freshman or someone new to the program: there’s usually a special bond being formed within and between each group, and some students might not know how to handle the responsibility of being part of a team.

“It’s great working with a team that works well with you, but when people are reluctant to help, it’s hard to carry a team to success,” said Garcia, emphasizing that students both new and old need to have some dedication to each group they’re in.

Concert Choir might seem low-pressure and low-commitment, but there is still a team and a group that every person is responsible for. As long as each person can work well with others and be willing to make choir a part of their lives, their group will soar.

There are four concerts per year in general, though vocal ensemble and Vivace have some additional performances, so it’s really up to the prospective students to decide whether or not they want to sign up for Concert Choir or audition for Vivace or Vocal Ensemble.

For students worried about having a sport and being in choir, there are plenty of athletes in all three groups. Concert Choir is good for students with busy or impacted schedules, and while members of that might not be able to join Vocal Ensemble or Vivace, they would still be able to stay and sing in Concert Choir if they so choose.

“I do see myself staying in this group because the group is like a family to me,” said Lam, enrolled in water polo as well, appreciative of how the group has been for her this year. “And Mrs. V has been an amazing choir teacher.”

Already, there have been many memories made within all groups, and close friendships have been formed that can’t easily be broken.

“Every day, I make great memories,” said Villarreal. “I’m very fortunate to be here.”

Though this is Villarreal first year here, she has been teaching music for most of her life. She has big plans for Vocal Music department moving forward, and as she stands proudly at the front of the classroom about to conduct, it’s clear that she loves what she does and plans to share that with as many people as she can.

“I love sharing my love of the art,” said Villarreal meaningfully, smiling and clearly passionate about her position. “I’ve seen it change lives.”