Sophomore Iyla Freed and others perform in the Concert Choir. Photo creds: Sydney Moretz, Watauga Yearbook.
At Watauga, Concert Choir is a distinguished and exemplary program. It is known for its enthusiastic teacher, Frankie Lancaster, and the acclaim it has received at competitions and conferences. Throughout the years, choir has grown into a popular elective to pursue. However, despite its popularity, most students do not know what the course entails or how to join. Senior Wesley Coatney has done choir for 2 years.
“I can always look forward to seeing the guys every morning,” said Coatney. “It's like a group of friends who are united in their love for singing. The connectedness of the choir is something that helps our sound.”
Iyla Freed, a first-year member of the Concert Choir and a sophomore, has a passion for singing. She loves the people she sings with and feels herself growing as a singer and team player. She plans to advance her choir career in the future alongside her new peers.
“Choir has shaped me as a person and made me happier. My voice has gotten better since I joined,” Freed said. “It’s really helped me to progress as a singer and become more open and comfortable singing in front of other people. My teacher has made me feel comfortable enough that I was able to sing a solo in our last concert.”
Coatney is one of the first people that comes to mind among standouts of Watauga High School choir. He has achieved great things in the choir world and urges others to do so.
“Setting goals and working to achieve them is something I think builds character. I made the Honors Choir, worked for the concerts, and worked to audition for Mars Hill [Choir Festival], which have all been goals of mine this year,” Coatney said. “We need numbers. Even if you don’t think you can make a Concert Choir, you should still audition for it. If you are interested in singing, having numbers in the choir program is really something that is going to build strength in the department.”
Zeke Walker, a successful sophomore who has been in choir for two years, loves the community and atmosphere of concert choir.
“For the audition, you have to learn a piece of music of the teacher's choice," said Walker. "He evaluates your performance with other members of the choir, and based on a rubric, you can make Concert Choir. You usually hear back after a week or two."
Concert Choir has shaped students of Watauga, allowed them to grow closer, and brought out the creative side of singing. It is a supportive and fun environment where singers can challenge themselves. It is a great opportunity for students to express themselves and explore their abilities, and the choir is looking forward to embracing new singers in the future.
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