Big Spring High School Choir students advance to Area contest
And the song plays on ... at least for nine Big Spring High School Choir students. The following students have advanced to Area Competition: Gloriann Ortiz, Senior Soprano; Emily Reyes, Senior Soprano; Kayla Lara, Senior Alto; Naomi Reyes, Junior Alto; Joseph Fierro, Senior Tenor; Cecilio Galvan, Senior Bass; Robert Fierro, Junior Bass; Natalia Lopez, Junior Alto; and Jayden Tubb, Senior Bass
Since August these students have been putting in the work to ensure they are performing at the top of their game. Despite the restrictions and hurdles that the current pandemic has thrown into the competition world, these Big Spring High School students have persevered and advanced to the Area Choir Contest to be held on Jan. 16.
“This year has been unique in its challenges, but from the moment we let these students know about the possibility of competing they have been serious about it and put forth their best efforts,” Choir Director Gershom Garcia said.
The opportunity to compete and the family that is built around the choir world are just two of the main reasons these students have invested years building on their talent. For these nine students, choir and music have been part of their lives since junior high if not longer.
“There is just something about the way the music speaks to me,” Robert Fierro, Big Spring High School Junior
and Bass singer, said. “I am really happy that I made it this far. I worked hard to get where I am. The people around me have not only helped me with my musical ability, but in so many other ways; they are good friends.”
This year’s competitions have looked a little different, as many UIL sanctioned events have. While competitions are normally held in person at area schools, this year students have had to compete virtually. Each student auditions on a set list of music designated by TMEA and students begin preparing for the initial round of auditions which is held in October.
“I have seen these students grow musically as well as grow in their self-confidence and that is great to see,” Garcia said. “The other directors and I have had the opportunity to work with these students one on one, and we are amazed when we hear their talent and their musical artistry.”
Garcia is joined by Miss Muller, Mr. Hauger and Miss Galindo who have watched the maturity in this set of students grow over the past several years. Each of the students expressed the family atmosphere that has been formed, which has laid the foundation for continued pursuit of their passion.
“It really seems unreal that I’ve made it this far,” Natalia Lopez, Big Spring High School Alto singer, said. “I have learned that hard work really does get you to where you want to be, but it helps to have a team behind you.”
Senior Soprano Gloriann Ortiz added, “I’ve been in choir since the eighth grade and one of the reasons I have continued is because of the people I’ve met; they are like family. It feels really good to accomplish something, and this is really exciting for all of us.”
The environment that surrounds the students is one that each of the students mentioned in speaking of the process and path they have taken through choir. While each of them has a love for music, enjoys the competition, they each hold dearly the connections they have made and the support that walks with them through the different levels of preparation and competitions.
“I love the environment I get to be in every day. I’ve been involved with choir since the 7th grade and I am so grateful for the friends I have made along the way,” Emily Reyes, Big Spring High School Senior Soprano singer, said. “I have never been able to make it this far; I am really excited and I hope that I make it to the next level.”
While several of the students have intentions of pursuing music after graduation, there are those who want to incorporate music into their career choices. Reyes is one of the students who has a dream of a double major, nursing and music.
The hard work that is required to prepare fully for competitions is one lesson that rolls into other areas of the student’s lives. The determination has served each of the students well, including Joseph Fierro, Senior Tenor singer.
“I love singing and the people I have met along the way are amazing, but one of the most important lessons I have learned along this path is that you should never settle,” Fierro said. “You can always be better and as long as you don’t settle, you continue to strive to do better and get better.”
While in choir, Senior Alto singer Kayla Lara enjoys the competition that is involved in choir. “Singing is one of my favorite things to do, and I am hoping I make it to the next step,” Lara said. “I’ve learned that no matter how far you go you can’t ever give up. You have to keep trying.”.
The musical talents also flow over into marching band for a few of the students, including Naomi Reyes. She utilizes her musical talents in the Big Spring Pride Drive Marching Band as well. Reyes was one of the hundreds of students who was able to enjoy the performance in the Alamodome.