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At Aurora High School, choir is more than just a class, it’s a community. What sets the AHS choirs apart from other choirs is both the variety of music they perform and the diversity of the students involved. There are three ensembles that students can join in including, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, and the Evergreen Ensemble. Students sing everything from classical, to jazz, rock, and pop. But just as important as the music is, the mix of students who make up the program is even more important. “Our ensembles are not represented by any particular ‘kind’ of student. We are represented by experienced musicians and multi-instrumentalists, but also by student athletes, dancers, scholars, actors, and much more,” says Mr. Downing, choir director.
Mr. Downing hopes his students take away his lessons beyond music. “I hope that students learn not only about the joys of singing choral music, but also the joy of being part of a diverse community working toward one common goal,” he explains. He also hopes students remember the way he treats them: with kindness, respect, and high expectations for musicianship and performance. He states, “A lesson a hope that students take away from me, is that I treated them with kindness and respect, while also holding them to a high standard of musicianship and performance.”
The students of the choir have similar responses. Ella Pickett notes that choir has taught her how to work with others to improve as a singer. “One thing I’ve learned from being in choir is to utilize the people around you, not just by hearing the singing in your section, but also by listening to other talented people at your school,” she says.
Similarly, Sara Elliott, vice president, emphasizes the importance of collaboration. “Before choir, I thought going solo would lead to the best results, but putting together incredible pieces with a group has shown me the importance of collaboration,” she says.
For students, choir memories range from tackling challenging music to bonding with the group. Sara Elliott remembers performing a particularly loud and difficult fortississimo (FFF) piece in a small section. “It was extremely difficult but very fulfilling when we accomplished it,” she says.
Freshman Mateo Hernandez recalls the excitement of a concert when his section finally nailed a part they had struggled with all year. “It was never perfect in rehearsals, but during the concert, it sounded perfect, and everything came together,” he says.
The chamber choir fall retreats are another highlight. Mr. Downing states that he enjoys these trips because they allow students to spend time together without the pressure of rehearsal. “When we are able to laugh and enjoy ourselves while learning together, it really makes the job worthwhile,” he says. Students agree. Emma Ristau, choir president, says the retreat helped the group feel more connected: “It brought us all very close together. Once we got to know each other, we sang better as a whole.”
Other standout performances include community events and competitions. Mr. Downing recalls the Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where everything seemed to come together perfectly. “We also received some glowing feedback from our community members following this performance,” he says.
Sara Elliott mentions the choir’s performance of "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel" at OMEA, calling it “a complicated but powerful piece” that scored a perfect rating.
Choir isn’t just about singing in the classroom. The AHS choirs often perform at special events, including Cavs games.
“Leading the choirs at Cavs games and other events is a blast,” Mr. Downing says. “Not many people get to perform in front of 20,000 people—and that close to some of the most famous athletes in the world.” Students take preparation for these performances seriously, often practicing at home and spending extra time rehearsing to make sure performances are polished.
All of the students and staff agree that AHS choir is different from other school activities. Sara Elliott calls it “a group of people working together with a shared passion for music toward the same goal.” Ristau adds that music unites students who might not otherwise connect. “The students in the chamber choir are so different from each other, but it’s the music that brings us together,” she says.
For many students, the supportive environment is just as meaningful as the music itself. Hernandez, who joined as a freshman, was impressed by how welcoming the older students were. “They help lead the class and encourage the younger ones to follow the examples they set,” he says.
Ella Pickett also notes the importance of learning from peers. “Practice helps us improve because we work together to be in unison, using each other’s voices to improve our individual parts.”
Since Mr. Downing’s first year at Aurora, the choir program has grown significantly. Chamber Choir increased from 12 to 16 students, Concert Choir went from 32 to 61, and the Evergreen Ensemble now has 16 members. “Our choir members have really begun to take themselves seriously as singers, which is a huge step in the right direction,” Mr. Downing says.
Students have grown too, not just as singers but as leaders. Sara Elliott, vice president, says, “I try to help others whenever I can.” Ristau explains that balancing fun and focus has helped her develop as a leader. “It’s difficult to keep a balance between staying serious and having a fun time,” she says, “but being president has helped me grow in many ways.”
For Mr. Downing, the benefits of choir are clear. “Only 5% of the world’s population is tone deaf, which means everyone else can contribute to a choir in a meaningful way,” he says. “There are very few feelings like a perfectly tuned chord or a piece coming together for the first time. It’s a one-of-a-kind feeling.”
Students also encourage others to join. “If anyone is ever thinking about joining a choir, the only advice I’d give is to do it,” Sara Elliott says. “Choir has changed my life in the best way possible.” Mateo Hernandez adds, “You don’t have to be an amazing singer to get something out of it. Anyone interested in music should give it a chance, you’re bound to enjoy it and learn a lot.”
Whether performing complex harmonies, preparing for a big concert, or simply enjoying time with friends, the Aurora High School Choir is more than just a music program. It’s a community where students grow as musicians, leaders, and people, one note at a time.
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