Junior pursues choir, aeronautical engineering off soccer field

Soccer player, choir member, journalist, brother. These are only a few of the words used to describe junior Andrew Rieker. From a varsity soccer player to a chamber choir member, Rieker participates in various aspects of campus life.

Involved in choir since kindergarten, junior Andrew Rieker takes on a new position as a member of the chamber choir this year. Chamber choir was created in 2019 by combining the remains of last year’s women’s ensemble with male students who wanted to take part in the program.

“In primary school, choir was required and I took it as an elective in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade,” Rieker said. “It is interesting in chamber choir because there are fewer people. As a result, I may have nobody standing next to me while performing in chamber choir, while in mass choir I would have someone touching on either shoulder.”

Rieker believes that chamber choir demands more of his effort compared to previous years. He mentions that this also ties to the fact that less people perform in chamber choir than the Cantiamo choir, where any student may participate.

“In chamber choir we move a little faster than mass choir as far as practice,” Rieker said. “Chamber choir is meant to be a little more advanced, and I see that because everyone can hear themselves more than if there were more people.”

FCS choir director Susan Ainley praises Rieker’s skill in music as well as his work ethic. She currently instructs both Rieker and his two brothers, Jack, ’23, and Sam, ’25.

“I have known Andrew since he was born,” Ainley said. “He has shown skill in everything he does, including music. What he brings to chamber is an ability to work, an appreciation for the text, notes and musicality of the piece. All of the Rieker boys sing in my choirs, and they all share this ability to see the music and bring it to life.”

Ainley’s nephew Ben Certain accompanies the campus choirs on the piano as well as other instruments. Certain attended University High as well as Fresno Pacific University and graduated with a degree in piano performance, music education and music composition. He shares some of the additions that Rieker brings to the choir.

“Andrew’s voice contributes both accuracy and a consistently beautiful tenor tone to any ensemble he takes part in,” Certain said. “He establishes himself in FC chamber choir through his instinctual commitment to fine singing technique, and brings a critical and academically-applied mind to every rehearsal.”

Senior Blake Deffenbacher remembers participating in choir since junior high. Deffenbacher mentions how Rieker’s dependable personality contributes to the choral atmosphere.

“I have been doing choir with Andrew since we were both in junior high,” Deffenbacher said. “Having worked with him for so long, I know that he is the type of guy people can depend on to know he will perform his part well enough to help everyone. He always gives it his best and never slacks during class.”

Riker’s family consists of his parents Pamela and Hannes and his two younger brothers. Rieker’s mother believes that choir benefits her son socially by assisting him with confidence. Pamela relates Rieker’s involvement in choir to that of an athletic team.

“Being a part of choir has benefited Andrew,” Pamela said. “An obvious benefit is the music instruction, but additionally he has benefited from participating in a group effort. The choir is much like an athletic team since the members all have to put in the time and effort to collectively reach their common goal.

“While he isn’t speaking and not alone on stage,” Pamela continued, “I still see these choir performances as contributing to developing a stage presence necessary for public speaking.”

Pamela recounts multiple stories from Rieker’s many years of choir participation. She mentions her own hopes for Rieker’s choir involvement.

“Despite the fact that we have plenty of notice about the Monday evening Christmas concert, it’s always a mad rush to make sure we have black shoes that fit and choir pants that are hemmed,” Pamela said. “I am pretty sure we used tape one time as well. I knew then [at a previous choir concert] that I wanted Andrew to be a part of choir and hoped he would want to as well.”

Rieker enjoys participating in the FCS soccer program; he appreciates the camaraderie he develops with his teammates.

“One of my favorite parts of FCS is participating in soccer,” Rieker said. “I have been playing soccer for as long as I can remember. In high school soccer it’s fun because I am able to hang out with the guys and play competitively with other kids.”

While Rieker pursues choir and soccer outside of the classroom, her also works toward being accepted to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, earning a degree in aeronautical engineering. Andrews plans a career with Boeing and is interested in improving and constructing airplane engines.

For another profile, read Aimee Castañeda displays passion through singing, performing. For another article, read EDITORIAL: Selflessness promotes communal growth, requires self-care practices.

Brayden Iest can be reached via Twitter and email.