Singing together isn’t just about hitting all of the correct notes, but instead about finding a community where one belongs. Being at an all-girls’ school makes Xavier’s choir more than just songs and performances. It’s a sisterhood.
Whether a freshman is preparing to sing at her first Christmas pageant, or a senior is about to sing at her last, every girl has a chance to form friendships through the harmonies they create. Violet Kersh ‘28, a member of the honors choir, said, “I love choir because it’s fun performing and making friends.”
For some choir members, singing has been a long-term passion of theirs. “I’ve loved singing my whole life, so choir was just something I wanted to keep doing here,” Kersh said.
Other girls gravitated toward the choir due to its sense of community. “Being in the honors choir lets you meet older students who guide and support you,” said honors choir member Kooper Estfan ‘28. “It’s nice having people to go to if you have questions about school.”
Even the students who may be timid can find their voices through choir, both literally and figuratively. Brittanie Hockins, choir director, mentions how her students grow from shy freshwomen to confident young women over the four years.
“Some students are deathly afraid to speak in front of a class at first, but by senior year, they’re giving presentations and performing with confidence,” Hockins said. “The performing arts teach skills you carry into life.”
However, choir isn’t just about personal development, it is also focused on giving back to the community. During Mass, Hockins says, “Singing is praying twice,” highlighting how students can both participate in Mass and lead their school community through songs.
Concerts and pageant performances are often pinnacles of the school year for choir members. The Christmas pageant is a major event, and one in which students lift their voices, with the help from the dancers, to share the Christmas story with the community.
“I’m really excited for the Christmas pageant,” said Estfan. “We’ve been practicing since August, and singing for this performance is so special.”
Xavier’s choir possesses many qualities that are unique to the school. With over 120 members, the all-girls choir stands out compared to the other typical 10 to 20 member groups, creating a lively, collaborative feel.
Friendship between the group members extends past the music. Students involved in the choir community bond over shared rehearsals, support during performances and uplifting each other in achievements.
The choir also pushes students to mature emotionally. Hockins discussed how she encourages members to feel the music fully and to channel their emotions into their singing and performances.
With this, students can also learn to balance their responsibilities with their roles within the choir. “I manage schoolwork by organizing my time,” said Kersh. “Choir doesn’t demand too much homework, so it’s easy to fit in.”
Participation within the choir strengthens self-assurance in several ways. Whether they’re singing solos at concerts, or mentoring younger members, students can apply leadership skills obtained through choir in their everyday lives.
With the vast amount and variety of performances of Masses, concerts and community events, Xavier’s choir leaves a mark on the campus community and the people around it. The choir program isn’t just a class, but rather a practice that will continue to shape students to come.
For many individuals, choir has become more than a singing group. It’s somewhere they now belong. “I hope more people will see that choir isn’t nerdy or embarrassing,” said Estfan. “It’s a space where you can express yourself, make friends and be a part of something bigger.”
