Choir Students Share Their Experiences, Growth, and Favorite Memories

The Independence High School choir program is more than a class it’s a community built on music, confidence, and connection. According to choir director Ms. Sweeney and her group of juniors Riley, Abi, Cipher, and Mia the choir room has become a place where students grow not just as singers but as people.

Sweeney, now in her 11th year of teaching, says she first felt drawn to music education in high school after being inspired by her own band director. “I’ve always been around music,” she said. “By my sophomore year, I knew I wanted to teach it.”

Her students say her passion and energy make the choir room feel like home.

Facing the Nerves and Finding Their Voices

Even with three years of performing experience, the juniors admit that nerves are still part of the process.

“Before every concert, we always feel anxious because we want to do a good job,” Riley shared. “But once we start singing, the anxiety washes away.”

Abi added, “Your first concert is the scariest, but as the year goes on, you get more confident.”

Mia agreed, explaining that even seasoned singers still get a “little moment where you hope you don’t mess up,” but the excitement of performing quickly takes over.

Sweeney reminds them that voice changes and cracks are completely normal. “The more you sing through those changes, the stronger your voice becomes,” she said.

Finding Community Through Choir

Many of the juniors say they joined choir because they grew up around music or felt drawn to singing. But their favorite part quickly became the people.

“I’ve always been a musical person,” Mia said. “Joining choir helped me find myself. I’ve made friends here, and the environment is so comforting.”

Cipher shared that the class has helped him become more confident. “You’re surrounded by people who love the same thing you do,” he said. “It makes it easy to express yourself.”

Over the past three years, Riley, Abi, Cipher, and Mia have formed close bonds that make even challenging rehearsals meaningful.

Favorite Choir Memories

When asked about their favorite memories, the juniors had no shortage of stories.

Several mentioned their freshman year trip to California, where the choir visited Universal Studios and watched Chicago live.

“It was amazing being surrounded by people who love the same thing as you,” Abi said.

The group also recalled last year’s Disney themed Pops concert, especially the final song where the choir surrounded the audience. “Everyone was singing their hearts out,” Sweeney said. “It was one of my favorite memories.”

Cipher added that the last song of every concert is always special “We’re all connected, the energy is high, and it feels rewarding.”

A Classroom Built on Expression and Support

A favorite tradition among the juniors is Family Friday, where Sweeney gives the class a reflective question to answer. Students say it helps them bond as a group and express themselves beyond music.

“Sweeney really cares about everyone here,” Abi said. “It’s not just about singing, it’s about the people.”

Sweeney says her goal isn’t to create professional performers, but people who appreciate music throughout their lives. “I want them to use what they learn to express themselves and support the arts,” she said.