Across the Davis School District, junior high students are discovering that choir is about more than singing. It’s about building confidence, learning from others and finding joy in making music together.
At this year’s Treble Choir Festival, held at Clearfield High, 13 junior high schools came together to perform for one another and learn from experienced choir clinicians. Students prepared and memorized their music before stepping on stage, where they had the opportunity to share their voices, receive feedback and grow as performers.
Spencer Hendrickson, choir director at Syracuse Junior High, is helping students discover the joy of singing while building their skills and confidence.
“Hearing the same feedback from someone else, or hearing it in a different way, can help it click,” Hendrickson said. “They’re old enough to take on tough things, and I love helping them discover what they can do.”
For eighth-grade student Gabriella from North Layton Junior High, the festival was an opportunity to step on stage and share her voice with an audience.
“I just really enjoyed this experience because I loved going on stage and singing for random people, letting them hear our voices,” Gabriella said. She also appreciated hearing feedback from the clinicians. “It was just great to hear what someone else would think,” she added.
For North Layton Junior High choir teacher Amy Leininger, the greatest reward comes from the students themselves.
“At the end of the day, my choir students are the reason I do what I do,” Leininger said, explaining how her students bring her joy every day and remind her why she loves teaching.