Band Director Mae Weiss conducting the Middle School band at their winter concert. Combined, 50 Upper School and Middle School students performed at the concert.
Orchestra Director Ben Sposet conducting the Upper School Orchestra at the Winter Concert. A total of 30 students in Baylor's Upper School and Middle School performed at the concert.
For many of the 30 or so folks performing in the faculty and staff choir for this year’s annual winter concert, it was a chance to revisit their days of singing in school or church choirs when they were younger -- while also gaining an appreciation for the work that Baylor students put into being choir members.
That was the case for Ruth Ann Graham, world languages instructor, who said she hasn’t had an occasion to sing since she was a high school student. “We often get a chance to support our students with our attendance at an event, but getting to be learners alongside them and get up with them to share the gift of music has been one of my favorite things about this school year so far. It’s a delight to amplify their voices with our own,” said Ms. Graham.
Natalie Rodriguez-Nelson, who teaches history in the Upper School, has had choir members in class and said it is a great reminder that Baylor students are involved in so many different activities. "I get to see them as history students every day, but it is a special treat to get to share in their talent and join voices with them."
English instructor Chris Watkins said he knew there would be some extra work involved but it was worth it in the end. “My daughter (Francesca Watkins '16) was in the choir when she attended Baylor, so I knew it was hard work. I'm just happy to be the beneficiary of Vic's (Choir Director Vic Oakes) talent and passion for singing.” Watkins adds that he feels a sense of pride during rehearsals and the performance because he is sharing an experience with colleagues from so many different parts of campus, “especially those whom I don't get to interact with often.”
“Rehearsals are a lot of fun, and we get to learn from each other in a wonderful way through this process,” said Mr. Oakes. “As the faculty and staff choir also performs with the student choirs, having the opportunity to interact with the students in this way is especially rewarding. It’s interesting to see the adult choir members share many of the same characteristics as the students – apprehension at singing for an audience, anxiety about performing for others, excitement about trying something new - it goes to show that teachers are students too!”
Mr. Oakes said 30 members of the Baylor community expressed interest in joining this semester, though schedules and other commitments made it challenging for a few to commit for the winter holiday concert. “We hope to have everybody back in the spring semester.”
Faculty and staff participating in the winter concert were Penny Batt, Chris Elsey, Ruth Ann Graham, David Hilley, Andrew Hoffman ’18, Keelah Jackson, Allison Lamb, Jean Lau, Catherine Mangonès, Petrise Miles , Natalie Rodriguez-Nelson, Kali Rosenberger, Doug Smith, Ben Sposet, Kristin Vines, Chris Watkins, Mae Weiss, Carlene West, and Erin Woodrow. A cohort of alumni, past parents, and retiree participants included Rileigh Arrington ’17, Daniel Lau, Rob Robinson ’68, and Jennifer Von Klar.
Baylor's winter choir concert took place under the direction of Choir Director and Fine Arts Department Chair Vic Oakes.
Upper School choir members are Julian Arellano, Mae Bender, Cody Coppage, Emily Cuthbertson, Caroline Daniel, Skyla Duncan, Whit Finlay, Allison Horsman, Mya Houston, William Hubbard, Warren Kim, Aubrey Martell, Owen McKenna, and Damian Sparks.
Middle School choir members are Josie Card, Iris Ann Combs, Ryder Flaherty, Madelyn Gabor, Samantha George, Tucker Gibbs, Alex Kelley, Nina Lail, Brecken McKenna, Jaxson Metcalf, Leif Mitchell, Samuel Peppers, Chloe Potts, Mason Richards, Dakota Sanders, Riya Sekhar, Thad Smith, Carter Witt, and Kate Womack.