Favorite Moments and Insights from the Winter Choir Concert 

The Independence High School Choir program is more than just a class; it’s a community built on music, leadership, and connection. According to choir director, Ms. Sweeney, each concert offers a unique experience for both students and herself. 

Favorite Moments of the Winter Concert

Sweeny shared that her favorite part of the winter concert was seeing the music truly come to life. “The Winter concert is always fun because once they’ve finished the fall concert, the newer students and the new classes are finally used to singing together,” she said. One of her favorite songs from this year was “All in Nana”, a folk song she described as “such a classic, and I just love it.” She also loved performing with alumni, noting that about nine graduated seniors returned to sing along, a tradition she plans to continue annually.

Challenges and Rewards

Although live performances bring nerves, Sweeney said that’s part of the excitement. “Live performance is always a little bit scary, but that’s kind of the beauty of it. Anything can happen, and you have to be prepared,” she explained. She recalled a few unexpected moments during this year’s concert, including a student injury right before the performance, but said the experience of persevering makes the concert extremely rewarding.”

Rehearsals and Preparation

Sweeney emphasized the importance of preparation. “We rehearse during class every single day, plus one big rehearsal the night before the concert. That helps students hear each other and understand the program order,” she said. She also focuses on balance and blend, teaching students how to listen to each other so that every voice contributes to the overall harmony.

Building Community Through Choir

Beyond Music, Sweeny values the community aspect of the choir. She organizes events like Family Friday and visits to local retirement centers, giving students opportunities to bond and give back. “Every time I get the kids together for an activity, it’s an opportunity for them to connect, trust each other, and grow,” she said.

Pride and Growth

Sweeney expressed pride in her students’ hard work and dedication. “My choirs this year are some of the nicest, most hardworking students. They encourage each other, and that makes all the difference,” she said. She also noted that even within just three months, from the fall to the winter concert, students show enormous growth in confidence and skill.

Looking Ahead

 When asked about the future goals, Sweeney shared that she would like to incorporate more dancing in the performances, where it makes sense, to complement the singing. She also emphasized the importance of financial support for the arts, but noted that the choir makes the best of the available resources.

For Ms.Sweeney, teaching choir is about more than music; it’s about giving students a safe space to grow, express themselves, and create lasting memories.