A section leader’s responsibility is to lead the group ? by example and by helping the section. Senior Ellie Mullins’ music experience and passion for singing motivated her to take leadership of the alto section.
Mullins began singing in the Central California Children’s Choir (CCCC) at age 7, with Valerie Quiring as the conductor; she then joined Quiring’s Cantate Girl Choir for three years.
“I’ve always loved music because I’ve grown up in a musical family ? my dad played the harp and the trumpet, and my uncle is an amazing guitarist; he taught me how to play guitar,” Mullins said. “So I developed a passion for music early on. And Mrs. Quiring really got me started and encouraged me to keep going.”
After leaving the girl choir, Mullins became involved with choir and ensemble on campus.
“I joined choir at school in my sophomore year, because I couldn’t get it to fit in my schedule freshman year,” Mullins said. “I went into concert choir and the next year I joined ensemble.”
Choir director Aaron Bryan has always admired her diligent work. He said he feels privileged to to teach Mullins because of her consistency in choir and how she continues to improve.
“She’s a strong musician who always does a great job,” Bryan said. “This year, she really stepped into the role of section leader. Her confidence has grown, and she has a beautiful voice.”
Mullins’ favorite conductor, Bryan, has increased her love for music and continues to do so. He also inspires her to sing with more confidence.
“I’ve always had a passion for singing and Mr. Bryan has really helped develop it; I’ve learned the most from him,” Mullins said. “Because I joined choir at school, I gained confidence and enjoy leading worship and working with others.”
Though music is part of Mullins’ everyday life, she is undecided if music will influence her future career.
“I love the choir trips and I want to take music theory classes and keep music part of my life, but I don’t know that I want it to be a career. It could possibly be one, I just don’t know how realistic that is,” Mullins said. “I also play the guitar and like doing photography.”
Fellow choir member Allison Neufeld, ’09, admires Mullins’ confidence, especially how Mullins manages to sing in front of a huge crowd.
“She’s a really good section leader and I’ve sung with her for three years. I admire her confidence,” Neufeld said. “She’s really talented and she’s always positive. Not only that, but she is really fun and random.”
Though Mullins loves all aspects of choir, she especially looks forward to the many trips they take as a group.
“It’s really fun because I get to hang out with different people in choir. It’s cool to build relationships with people from different grades,” Mullins said. “The activities we do together at the festival are really fun. Last year in Seattle we won first place in our division, so our hard work really payed off.”
For more information, e-mail Aaron Bryan.
