Once upon a decade ago, I stood on the stage of the James Koval Center at North Thurston High School (NTHS) and performed with all three of NTHS choirs. Last week, I reentered this space that holds an eternal magic, and I let all the memories come back to me.
Through sharing current student perspectives, a performance review, and the hindsight of a few alumni, I hope you will see just how special this space is and why arts education is crucial. More than anything, I hope you can join me in celebrating the already vibrant legacy of Caitlin Van Zee, who has been creating memories for students like myself for over a decade.
In chatting with students Taylor (12), Hope (9), and Sky (12), I was delighted to discover that some of the same traditions and sentiments that I fondly remember still thrive in the program today. Hearing their passion for music and their community filled my heart with hope.
The way each of these students came to choir varies: one was “tricked” into auditioning, one used choir as a way to fill their schedule, and the other was put into the introductory choir by accident from the system. Either way, there was a sense that destiny led these young people to choir and that they are so grateful for the trajectory their music education has taken.
Music has become a vital part of each of their lives outside of just being part of their daily routine. For these three young people, music helps them to connect to and regulate their emotions, express themselves, create a sense of purpose in everyday music practice, and give them a little song to sing throughout their days. What more can anyone want in life?
NTHS has four choirs, and each performed three to four songs during the concert. A couple were familiar favorites from my day, but many were new and exciting to me. Each choir ranges in experience, but all performed each piece with love and an advanced quality that is impressive for their age group. Any little “mistakes” are easily overlooked when the overall quality of sound is lovely and the air is electric with passion.
Of course the music was lovely, but some of my personal favorite moments on stage existed when students unconsciously held each other’s hands, people shed tears of bittersweet love on stage, and when Van Zee calmed nerves and helped pass time while instrumentalists got ready by having her students do the wave. Some people might look at this and think, “Oh, it is just a high school choir,” but it is so much more than that.
Naomi Andrews Ewing recalled how choir inspired her to do music in her life and how the solos she got to perform helped her get out of her shell and gain self-confidence. The camaraderie and friendship felt among the choirs helped her to no longer worry about what people thought, but just enjoy the experience.
Chivan Lim still enjoys all the memories, especially when friends from the jazz choir helped him ask his girlfriend at the time to prom. His NTHS choir experience showed him how music exercises your brain and teaches you to work as a team. Remembering his choir days fondly, he wouldn’t mind living those experiences again.
Taylor Cortes (nee Albaugh) will sometimes hear a song we performed on the radio and it will bring back joyful memories from rehearsal. She still thinks about the camaraderie involved in learning music and how beautiful our voices sounded together. She encourages readers to “take the leap” and find out where your interests take you.
As for myself, I learned how special it feels to have such a strong knit group of people come together and create music. There was an irrepressible joy in auditioning and getting into the advanced choirs that I have not experienced as strongly since. I learned that I could do anything with a little hard work and courage.
Thank you for being a kind leader, encouraging friend, and wonderful open minded teacher to all of us choir kids. As current students and alumni can attest to, the work you do is significant, joyful, and will stick with us for a lifetime. As the jazz choir sang last week, “because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” We all love you!
Rachel Benton is a columnist, freelance writer, performing arts enthusiast and a Thurston County local. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and minor in Music. When not writing or enjoying the arts, Rachel can be found spending time with her family, friends and two golden retriever puppies (Elliot and Ernie).
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