By Magnolia Waller
Photo by Magnolia Waller
Quiet yet always there, CA Vocal is one of the somewhat overlooked CAs in the Willow community, despite having popular recitals, honor-winning singers, and having a hand in both the musical theater and band departments.
CA Vocal exists throughout the school community. When you hear singing in the halls, the background vocals of every musical, or holiday songs in assembly, they are part of it all.
So, what, exactly, is CA Vocal? What is that ominous choir giving music to the Willow halls? There is a perception of Vocal as small and somewhat rigorous.
“When I was in high school, I remember seeing the school choir sing an a cappella piece at an assembly and thinking, it must be so fun to be able to perform that way. But I never even considered trying to join, because I thought you had to be ‘a good singer,’” says Dr. Rota, vocal teacher and head of the department.
The literal size of the CA is small, with only one senior. The incoming ninth-grade class is larger. Students work diligently in the hallway, while some practice inside. Freshmen Rachaell Castro and Raegun England are among those outside.
“I didn’t really know if it was for me, but I wanted to try singing again, auditioned, and Dr. Rota gave me a good opportunity,” explains freshman Rachaell Castro. “I got to know so many people from different backgrounds. I liked to sing a lot but was unsure of myself. I thought I was going to be judged by people who do sports or something. I’m happy I get to do what I love to do.”
Castro originally pulled away from Vocal but eventually found her calling with the CA. Freshman Raegun England always knew.
“It’s like a family. No one’s mean. I look forward to it every day. I always really liked singing and took the elective.” After the elective, England was drawn into the Vocal community.
From a freshman perspective, the CA is exciting and warm–a “family,” as both Castro and England describe it. The upperclassmen perspective doesn’t stray from the familial conception.
“The Willow community should know that everyone in the choir is very passionate about what we’re doing. It comes from the heart,” says junior Alia Hemeid.
So, what does a typical CA Vocal class look like? Well, it could be a calm studying time or a cappella performances of your favorite song. The class itself is usually loud and joyful, with random bursts of song and laughter.
“We sing for assembly or events, we go to celebrations after, we might bring food, share snacks, we’re always singing, and we’re playing instruments in our free time, just having fun,” says Hemeid.
“I’m looking forward to Block Party on November 19th, where the high school singers will perform ‘White Winter Hymnal,’ and the combined middle and high school choirs will join together–over 100 singers!,” Dr. Rota said.
There is no restriction on who can be a singer and who Vocal wants in their community.“We have large and small voices in the group—some are ready to sing solos, and others prefer staying blended in the background. But all have strong musical ears, and they can sing amazingly,” Dr. Rota said.
