Voices blend together in perfect harmony. Singing reverberates through the music suite as choral members harmonize to the director’s instruction.

Many students participate in campus choral groups for various reasons. Junior Alyse Gulack, involved in choir since 5th grade, joined because of her love of music.

“I like being in choir because I like singing and being with all of my friends,” Gulack said. “It’s kind of like a break from school during the day.”

While also fronting for varsity cheer, Gulack balances choir practices with academic and athletic commitments.

“We practice for ensemble everyday during second period,” Gulack said. “Sometimes we have long practices on the weekend or after school, especially when we’re close to a concert.”

One such choir practice followed immediately after a long cheer practice, affecting Gulack’s attentiveness and attitude.

“I can remember one day after school when we had a long cheer practice until 4:30 (P.M.),” Gulack said. “Right after we were done, I had to rush over to a two-hour choir practice. It was difficult to stay enthusiastic after being at school for almost 11 hours.”

Although juggling two different activities, Gulack maintains an optimistic outlook. She oscillates from cheer to choir without allowing fatigue to overcome her.

“It is difficult at times to make the transition from cheer, where we are told to yell and do physically strenuous things, to choir where we have to listen and blend our voices with others’,” Gulack said. “To do this it is important to just focus on what I am doing as opposed to allowing tiredness to frustrate me. A positive attitude and determination make it possible to be involved in both of these time-consuming activities.”

Despite schedule conflicts, Gulack manages to perform in the ensemble and choir.

“I sing the alto part most of the time,” Gulack said, “but we all switch on a few songs.”

While a student’s enthusiasm about an extracurricular activity may fade, Gulack desires to sing in ensemble and choir next year.

“I want to continue [singing] next year,” Gulack said, “because I love singing and I enjoy the time with my friends. I don’t want to pursue a career in music though.”

Her teacher for five years, Aaron Bryan, choral director, recognizes Gulack’s constant effort to improve.

“Her voice has grown a lot, because she used to be quiet and timid,” Bryan said. “She has a wonderful voice and is very musical. When she sings, she is very expressive.”

Now in her second year of ensemble, Gulack takes a leadership role.

“She is a strong leader in ensemble,” Bryan said. “She is very dependable and always has a great attitude. I’m proud she is stepping up and leading.”

The ensemble and concert choir will travel for four days to Seattle, WA, where they will perform at Auburn Mountainview High School for the 2008 Heritage Music Festival, April 9-13.

“I’m looking forward to the ensemble and choir trip,” junior Adam Casuga, ensemble member, said. “It sounds like it will be a lot of fun and I’m always interested in going to new places. It’s good for our choir to get out and go to other places and sing in front of completely different people.”

For more information on campus choral groups, visit Alyssa Boss’ March 28 article, Choral groups debut, spring tour next or Benjamin Dang’s Aug. 24, 2007, article, Ensemble retreat solidifies bonds.