By: Danica Ramos
Just like everyone else, choir students have taken their learning online due to Covid-19 and school cancellations. What is choir going to look like this year?
Mr Carillo, the choir director, has started his 15th year at Redwood completely different than in the past. His students will be using different websites such as Smart Music, MusicTheory.net, and SiteReadingFactory.com, as well as Zoom and Schoology. On Zoom, students stay mute while they warm up and practice. The websites help them send in voice memos of their singing and practice music theory.
Aidan Hatch, ‘22, a Chamber and Ranger student, says that ”Smart Music has taken away the pressure of perfectly singing a piece of music on the first try. Instead, I can listen to myself and see where I need to make changes.” Another Chamber and Ranger singer, Jersey Hays, ‘21 says,”On zoom, we can all have less stress about live performances.”
Mr Carillo expressed his concern that students have to learn how to use Schoology and Smart Music before studying the content which slows everything down just a bit, espicially with some technology issues.
Carillo says, “All of us teachers are learning how to do the online format while trying to make it interesting and fun.”
These sites have been able to get the job done, however, Mr Carillo can’t correct students singing errors or give immediate feedback as quickly and efficiently compared to being on campus and in the classroom. He believes that he’s able to teach better and more effectively in person. He says, “I feel like I do a much better job in person than I’m doing right now on the online format.”
Aside from music, a big part of choir is having a connection between students. Of course students can’t be together, but many students loved choir for the sense of family. Mr Carillo misses being able to interact with his students.
Hays shed some light on the situation saying ,”…the community is so surreal. It’s amazing what type of relationships you can make through art and expression.”
Hatch says, “There’s a feeling you get when you reach the climax of a song, everyone is in harmony, and the sound is booming throughout the room. I think that feeling ties people together and strengthens their connection to one another.”
Plans for choir concerts will be virtual for now. Mr. Carillo is looking to have two this semester, one in the fall and one in December.
Danica Ramos
Danica Ramos (24') is a first year journalist for the Redwood Gigantea. Her current focus is arts and entertainment. Outside of journalism she enjoys choir. You can contact her at; danic.ra3579@vusd.us
Tags: choir
good job!