Sheet music rustles, the audience stirs with anticipation, and anxious singers await to perform their perfected harmonies. Yet, choir is much more than just music; it is a close-knit community, a place where people grow together and become like family.
“I want people to know that it’s a really homey environment and people are so welcoming and loving,” mentions junior Dalton Vargas.
Jasmine Lombera aims to convey that this class not only enables you to grow individually but also fosters growth in those around you. It uncovers talents you never knew you had, and everyone helps each other in developing those skills.
“Working to perfect and learn your part is how the choir members put music together,” said Dalton Vargas.
A crucial element in choir is that you aren’t doing it alone; you’ll always have someone there for you to encourage or guide you, which is what the students want people to understand. Choir is about transforming individual singers into a unified ensemble, a bonded community that harmonizes far more than their voices.
Ezra Tapia, a senior at Selma High and a choir member, hopes to share that students shouldn’t be afraid to reach out for support because, ultimately, everyone wants you to succeed and give it your all.
“I hope that we can build the culture and community within the program more. With the program being fairly new, it has been hard to recruit people, but I hope that by the time I graduate, we’ll have more kids wanting to come in,” Ezra adds.
Growing the choir community means welcoming new voices and helping people find their place behind the songbooks. It also signifies true collaboration, as members learn how to encourage and uplift one another while overcoming early obstacles.
“Being in this place allows you to create strong connections with teachers and make new lifelong friends,” shares Chamber Singer and Selma High student, Jasmine Lombera.
An important aspect of being a member is that everything you learn stays with you, whether it’s friendships or life lessons; the experiences become a long-lasting part of who you are. It also guides you toward finding yourself and your inner voice.
In the end, choir is more than a class; it’s a community that helps shape who you are, both within and beyond the music. It creates something unforgettable, allowing songs to be shared and connections to form with every member, bonds that go far beyond the music notes.
