I Can't, I Have Rehearsal.

Singing is one talent that practically everyone possesses, however some are more skilled than others. Singing has always been my thing. Whether I was at home or at school, I would always be singing. I do not have a professional vocal coach nor do I aspire to be a singer in the future, but I have been apart of a choir in almost every year of elementary and middle school simply because I enjoy it. As high school was approaching, my choir teacher in middle school recommended that I continue singing in high school. Unsure of whether to take history or choir in the 9th grade, I made a last-minute decision to join Women's Chorale, and it was one that I do not regret!

There are three choral ensembles at Mira Mesa High School: Concert Choir, Women's Chorale, and Madrigals. Concert Choir is a course for students that are starting out with singing or have little experience. This ensemble is open to anyone, and the only requirement is an interest in singing! Women's Chorale, the ensemble I was in, is an advanced group made up of young women. To be in Women's Chorale, you must be recommended by a middle school teacher or audition to be in it. Lastly, Madrigals is the top vocal group at our school, generally consisting of 10th-12th graders that audition. I feel so thankful to have been given the opportunity to sing with so many talented girls. Choir last year was a great experience, and all of us girls really felt like one big family.

Singing all of these years has taught me many things, and has given me the opportunity to do what I love. I have learned many skills such as how to read music, and how to be an individual amongst a group of people. Performing by myself and with a group in front of many people has helped build my confidence and self-esteem. I was always nervous when I had to sing in front of the 50 people in my class, but once I would start singing, the nerves would go away. Even performing as a group can be scary because we always want to put on the best performance possible for the audience. Singing has given me the opportunity to sing the national anthem at a Padres Game. Seeing my face on a jumbotron was pretty cool! In the 8th grade, my choir was given the chance to compete in San Francisco against other schools. That was an amazing experience, as it was my first far-away trip from my family. From that trip, I received an email to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City! I didn't go, but I was glad to be offered that opportunity to share my talent.

Currently, I am not in a choir due to scheduling, but I have joined the Natural Harmonies club through audition at our school. Modeled after the TV show Glee, the club started last year by a group of Madrigal students. It is a club where students can engage in the arts, even if they can't fit it in their schedule. You can openly express yourself through singing and dancing, and you can make new friends. The club currently consists of about 15 members, and we would like more to join this semester! We rehearse every Tuesdays and Fridays during lunch in room 403. We welcome new members, so if you are interested, please come and try it out! See you there!

Here's a picture of Women's Chorale last year: