During high school, there are so many opportunities for students to invest their time in an activity. Being involved within the school can bring many bonds, along with new interests. According to Health Direct, when individuals are active during the school year, it can help increase social skills and give them a sense of belonging.
No matter what grade a student is in, they can join any new hobby. Show choir is a largely populated activity with many new students getting involved. Claire Lantermans, junior, is new to show choir this year and is excited to try it out. She said, “I thought it would be fun for my last two years to do something different.” It can be entertaining to try something new, especially during high school. This activity is a great way to bring many students together and create new friendships. Since performing on stage isn’t for everyone, there are other factors within this interest. Those include the show band and crew.
Although there may be some challenges with being new to show choir, it is still very exciting and can be fun. Meegan Dyrland, one of the show choir directors, said, “It can be difficult for someone who has never done show choir in high school, but all they have to do is ask and we can catch them up! Sometimes just observing and being immersed in it is the best way to learn though.” Within the show choir group, there are dance captains who are always willing to answer any questions one may have.
Show choir is an enjoyable activity that includes singing, dancing, hair and makeup, and fun costumes. Students don’t always have to have experience with every aspect, but some is always helpful. Dyrland said, “It would be great if they had some dance or singing background. But, if not, they should be able to match pitch and learn choreography to audition.” Even when individuals don’t understand what is happening, there are many resources for help if needed.
Learning choreography can present different challenges depending on past experience. Lantermans said, “Relatively, it takes me a minute to really understand it (choreography), but once I do, it’s easy from there.” Ranging from little to a lot of experience, anyone can do show choir.
It is very helpful when students are able to participate in doing hair and makeup as well. When new students join and can get involved in this, everything can get performance ready a little bit faster. Latermans said, “I don’t think I will like getting up early to go to the competitions, but I will be able to help with hair.” The earlier the performance, the more ahead of time group members have to be ready.
After students try an activity for the first time, they might realize they really enjoy it and wish they tried it sooner. Joining a sport or an extracurricular later in high school when students are a junior or a senior can be nerve-racking, especially when other students have been a part of the group since freshman year or even middle school. It is always important to try it out before one decides they don’t like it. For all they know, it might be the best experience!
