Want to get to know more about the OHS Choir classes? Let’s take a look at the musical world at OHS. I asked a few students in the choir department about their experience this year. The Choir department at Osbourn is not just about learning how to read and sing music, but it is also about building connections with people. Some people don’t consider picking a chorus as an elective because of fear of being judged or insecurity due to not knowing how to sing. However, I talked to the President of the Choral Department, Keila Rich, a junior, in both advanced ensembles (Bella Voce and Center Stage), and here are some encouraging words from Keila. “I would encourage them to join by telling them about how accepting we are, how easy it is to open up about anything, and having people there to comfort and listen to their troubles.” Hopefully, this can boost someone’s confidence to join. Not only is choir fun, but it can truly impact your life. Chorus can be more than just a class. For some people, it feels like their second home. This is how Keila described it. “To me, choir is a second home. I normally don’t like to show my emotional side, but when it comes to choir, I feel like I’m free to be vulnerable without having a thought that someone is judging me,” said Keila.

The OHS Choir Department is directed by Mrs. Glomb, an amazing and passionate director. She makes sure that everyone knows their music really well and makes sure everyone gets the help that they need.  Chorus helps make so many good memories. Everyone who is in the choir department currently most likely has a good memory. Edwin Barrera-Zelaya, a Senior in the Tenor-Basso Men’s Choir, said, “My favorite memory from this year would have to be my last All-City Concert because of how well it was put together.” In case you don’t know what the All-City Concert is, it is where Osbourn, Metz, Mayfield, and Elementary schools learn a few pieces of music and perform them for family and friends. We get to see the beauty of music from each school, and at the end of the concert, we all sing a song together and have an amazing time!

Of course, everyone has something that they are most proud of. For Zebdi Quintanilla, a freshman in the Bella Voce choir, said, “I’m most proud of when I worked super hard to learn our candlelight songs for Disney. I’m also proud of when I came to practice for the District Honor Choir and made 2nd place. One other thing I’m proud of is remembering how to sight-read on my own and with others.”

Everyone has their own story of how music changed their life. We all come from different backgrounds, and everyone finds happiness in something. Sophomore Julie Reyes, a singer in the Bella Voce Class, shared her experience. “Choir is special to me because it has become one of the most important parts of my life. It’s so much more than just an elective at school; it’s a place where I can completely be myself and express my feelings in ways that words can’t. When I’m in choir, I’m surrounded by people who share the same love for music, and that creates a really strong sense of connection. I have found some of my best friends through this department, and being able to make music with them is such a special feeling. Throughout my years in choir, I have been able to see how much music really does touch and affect people, and seeing that it helps perhaps just one person makes the journey and the work so much more meaningful. Choir has also helped me learn so much about myself and who I want to be as a person. Singing together and hearing all of our voices blend into one sound after working on our separate parts is something that never gets old to me. Being part of such an amazing choir department has added so much meaning not only to my high school experience but to my journey in finding my voice. Additionally, choir has helped me become more confident in myself and in my voice. Performing in front of people used to feel intimidating, but the choir has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and trust my abilities. Now I love performing! It has also taught me the value of hard work and dedication, because learning music and preparing for concerts takes a lot of effort and practice. I used to have the mindset of wanting growth to happen overnight, not only vocally but mentally too. I soon realized that true change takes time, effort, and willingness to take criticism. It took a while, and it took hard work, but growth happens when you don’t even realize it, and choir has played a huge role in helping me realize that. Choir has also helped me grow as a teammate. I’ve learned that every person’s effort matters, and that we all depend on each other to create the best performance possible. Because of choir, I’ve become more disciplined, more confident, and more willing to change myself. Some accomplishments I’m most proud of come from the dedication I’ve put into choir. One of the biggest things I’m proud of is how much effort I’ve put into improving and becoming a stronger singer over time. Choir has challenged me with music that isn’t always easy, but learning it and performing it successfully feels really rewarding. I’m also proud of the way I’ve been able to work with others and contribute to the overall sound of the group. Also, being able to audition for different honor choirs is something that not everyone gets to do, but I’m so grateful that I can participate in things like that. Being part of performances where everyone’s hard work comes together is an amazing feeling. Knowing that I helped play a part in creating those moments is something I’m really proud of. Overall, I am so lucky to have choir as a pillar in my life, and I am so grateful for all of the lessons, laughs, and learning it has brought me,”  Reyes explained.

Recently, on March 19, students who were selected for Assessment went to Osbourn Park High School to perform. There were 5 ratings that could have been possible to get. 1-Superior, 2-Excellent, 3- Good, 4-Fair, 5-Poor. Osbourn’s Choir department received ALL 1’s. They also received a Blue Ribbon award, which was given to us for receiving all superior ratings from BOTH SATB and SSAA groups. If you see anyone who participated in the assessment, make sure you congratulate them! Also, make sure to congratulate Mrs. Glomb!  It is truly amazing to see art created when the ensemble is as passionate as the director.

“We have our assessment coming up! We will be singing and dedicating it to Ms. O’Brokta. After assessment, we will be focusing on our Disney Spring Show, where we sing music to the theme of Disney. This show is one of the biggest end-of-the-year shows that anyone can enjoy! So to whoever is reading this, you should go!” said Zebdi. Make sure to come see us perform!

Now that you have heard experiences and more about the Choral Department, if you do not know what elective to pick for next year, consider choosing Choir.

This message is from Keila, “Choir is a place to be (literally)! Every time you walk into the room, you are greeted by Mrs. Glomb’s smile and welcome, which makes you feel at home. It is such a positive environment that everyone who steps in there comes out knowing a thing or two, and also with a changed character. #WeSingToInspire.”