OHS is well known for its performing arts and music programs. With a reputation for nurturing talent and encouraging students who have gifts, OHS has made a name for itself in the area of musical expression. The choir program, in particular, only goes to show the school’s commitment to creating a community of singers where passion, talent, and the joy of music intertwine.
At a glance, choir may be seen as simple and easy. One may think that students merely go up on stage and sing. As it turns out, there is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes.
“There are three different choirs,” said Kristen Olds, choir director at OHS. “We have Eagles Voice… Honor Choir… [and] Harmonics. Harmonics is our show choir and they do primarily pop and broadway style music and they sing and dance at the same time. It’s very physical. They have to have good vocal technique and they have to be able to match pitch… all while moving. Once a week we have to do conditioning for it.”
Choir is a lot more than just being able to sing, there is a lot that goes into the effort to be able to put on a good show. The choir council is also involved when it comes to events and shows.
“I’m vice president of choir council,” said Amelia Thompson, junior. “Choir council basically organizes the events for the choir and decides the theme. We also make sure the choirs are all engaged with each other.”
The involvement in the events help to get more students and peers involved with the program.
“I’m the secretary of our choir council,” said Gianna Dykstra, sophomore. “So I get to be involved with a whole group of people to run and make events for our choir members to be involved, and have fun in OHS and its choir program.”
The time and dedication to choir is shown in every one of the students. The community of the choir only goes to further demonstrate how they all collaborate.
“People are very generous and very kind, and are always there if you need them,” Dykstra said. “They will drop whatever to help you in a moment’s notice. Everyone’s very involved from the seniors to the freshmen.”
Every choir student voiced the same sentiments in regards to one another. The way they interact and communicate with one another is seen by every person.
“This community is great… [we] lovingly [make fun of] each other… and we love to have fun with each other,” Thompson said.
Many people may look at the choir and think they do not have the singing capabilities. Fortunately, choir is available to anyone despite any abilities or lack thereof.
“It’s my job to help you to learn how to sing,” Olds said. “[Choir]s a great place to make friends and express yourself. Eagles Voice, which is our introductory level choir…it’s open to anybody – they don’t have to audition. Most people’s first year in choir go into that group. We work a lot on vocal technique. We also work on reading music. It’s a lot of foundational things that get you ready to be in the other two choirs.”
Choir can also be beneficial to other branches of the performing arts as well. One of which being, the theater program.
“Choir and theater collaborate well,” Dykstra said. “When you’re doing a musical you have to sing and if you’re in the show choir then you have to dance so that kinda goes hand in hand together with learning how to use your voice correctly and to incorporate all the dance moves… They go very well together because we do a lot of the same things even though people might think they are totally different.”
Overall, choir is a good class to take and many would recommend it.
“I really enjoy getting to share that passion with my students and…seeing their whole musical journey from where they start freshman year to where they end up their senior year,” Olds said. “There’s so much growth they make.”
In the end, the choir classes aren’t just about singing – they’re about bringing students together and creating something special. It’s not just the music; it’s about learning to work as a team, dedicating oneself, and expressing feelings. Beyond the performances, it’s a place where students discover the power of their voices.
“You’re putting on a show,” Thompson said. “You’re making something that is going to be shown to other people… so it can’t be an independent thing, you have to work along with other people. Everyone has to pull their weight.”
