Fall means one thing for the choir, and that is that things are in full swing. There are a variety of chorus classes offered in the fall semester. Men’s chorus, women’s chorus, as well as singers are all going strong this fall. Singers, the auditioned ensemble, has some returning faces this year, and a couple new ones too. For Chase Morello (11) and Leah Dunlap (10), choir has looked a lot different than it has previously. Both reflect on their first concert and what singers means to them as a whole.
“Being a part of Singers has always been an important goal for me. I’ve always loved to sing, but Singers is something special. The atmosphere we create and the culture we share creates strong bonds between us. And with each performance those connections become stronger. That’s why performances are so rewarding, it’s not because we get to sing for an audience, but because we were able to accomplish something together,” Dunlap said.
Singers is notorious for being a lot more than just a chorus class. Singers is an environment, built on togetherness and community. The culture of singers brings people together. Through song, through feeling, and through compassion for one another. The material is the most challenging our program can offer. The practice is extensive, long hours, time at home in addition to in class. Challenge is most closely associated with conflict. People don’t always enjoy being challenged, but for this group, challenge is what makes their bonds stronger.
“Singers has been the best class I’ve ever taken. From the days where we get right into singing to the days where we spend all our time goofing off, Singers is more than just a class. Getting to participate in the concerts and show off how hard Singers have worked together makes all of the days of hard work worthwhile,” Morello said.
Working hard makes good performances, and good performances place a meaning behind all of the hard work. The pieces in front of singers are not easy ones. Mr. Cross moves quickly through the pieces. Learning, retaining, practicing, and memorizing is the skill-set that makes Singers so great at what they do.
“I feel like performing is all about showing off what we’ve spent our days working on. It’s the time where all of the Singers get to come together and unveil how hard we work to be as great as we are. The concerts are a time for Singers to show how we have grown musically and as a family,” Dunlap said.
Singers has helped Morello to see changes in his own character, he has built new friendships, gained confidence, and found a new form of self expression through singing.
“Singers has really helped to make me a more confident person, in both my singing and self. I’ve made a lot of friends with people I otherwise would probably not have talked to and it has helped me personally in being excited for school everyday. The class is truly about community and it shows how much we all care for each other,” Morello said.
Dunlap has shared a similar experience of growth since she has joined singers this fall.
“Singers is a tight-knit community and that has been very rewarding. I’ve met many new people and made many new friendships. I cherish the conversations shared between myself and my peers or Mr. Cross. One discussion can change the whole course of the class because everyone will jump in, and it’s really cool to see how we can all get along even if we have differing opinions,” Dunlap said.
Singers has created a safe space for many, a home where all can feel like part of a family. Mr. Cross advises to enjoy every moment, and that in his class it is important to be where your feet are. Singing is a talent, but choir here at Lenoir City is a lot more than that, and if this sounds like something you may want to be a part of it’s never too late to start.
