Argyle’s national award-winning choir program is made up of over 50 students, ranging from freshmen to seniors. There are two choirs and two A capella groups that students can participate in. All of these include a try-out process and a year-round commitment to competitions and performances. Out of these individuals, there are a few members who are graduating this Spring and chose to spend all four years of their high school career in the choir program. These dedicated members have their reasons for being in choir, and all of them left an impression that will reverberate for years to come. The underclassmen in choir make up most of the program and look up to the seniors who led them in their walk to be better performers, as well as brightening their days.
“I look up to Mia a lot because I think the amount of hard work she can put in and that she chooses to put in through choir and theater is really inspiring,” Junior Mathew Garfat said. “I think her work ethic is there and that’s something I aspire to also have and grow in.”
Senior Mia Navarro is not only a choir member but a Remedy A Cappella member and has played lead roles in theater productions more than once. She is one of the only few seniors who stayed in the choir all four years.
“Balancing choir and theater was very difficult and there were definitely times where one would be too much and I would go through thoughts of wanting to just choose one,” Navarro said. “But my love for both of the programs kept me motivated.”
The choir program prioritizes their mantra, “Love your neighbor,” and Senior Edgard Graterol felt that his experience reflected that. Graterol was a committed four-year member of multiple groups within the program.
“I stayed in choir for four years because I valued the community I had and the friendships I made,” Graterol said. “My favorite thing about the choir program was being in Remedy. I liked competing and getting to go on trips with my friends.”
The choir family values their relationships and especially the success that seniors have led them to. The seniors took on important responsibilities that not only fellow students valued, but Choir Director Evan Ramos as well.
“I think the thing I will miss most about the seniors is their dedication to serving other peo- ple in the choir program,” Ramos said. “One thing I don’t think
the choir program necessarily sees is the behind-the-scenes stuff to make things run better. The seniors are so willing to help whether it be putting risers together or stuff like that. I really, really appreciate that.”
Without the senior’s help throughout the years, Ramos and plenty of other students agree that the program wouldn’t have been as successful as it is. The passion that these committed students have makes a big difference in the lives of the singers. Senior Sarah Shilling reflects on her impact.
“I’m glad that people within the program think we’ve made a difference,” Shilling said. “Choir never felt like a chore, just something I got to enjoy with my friends. I learned a lot during my time in choir, and I hope that the underclassmen continue to enjoy it as much as I did.”
Even though the choir program is made for students interested in singing, Ramos believes that the senior’s biggest and most important talent is their selflessness and leadership.
“The seniors are in a lot of leadership roles that have been helpful to me as I’ve been working with them on complex pieces. That has been really awesome to see and they’ve taken on a lot of responsibility. I’ve been able to give them things to work on that are really hard.”
