Following his transition from Penn Middle School to high school, choir teacher Jeffrey Fox has begun to make changes to both his curriculum and the students’ schedules. 

     Senior Chyler Kolacinski has been in the choral program since her freshman year and has seen the changes it has undergone. She is in Ovation, the female acapella group the choral program features, as well as in Select Choir and Mixed Chorus.

     “The classes are combined, which it hasn’t been for a couple of years and that is different for us, but I think we are doing very well with managing time and splitting into groups,” Kolacinski said “[Fox]  is making things organized and we are learning our music for both Ovation, Encore and Select which is something we’ve struggled with in the past.”

      Since encore had come to the elementary and middle schools for many years now, they have maintained a general look and professional skill. With new outfit changes this year, Fox and students have new attire for this year.  

     “We’ve changed the Encore outfits, which I’m excited about. They’re a bit more modern, sleek and clean, so I can’t wait to reveal those,” Fox said about one change he directly made this year for the program.

     Fox is “picking some really good song choices and I think he is really benefiting the group,” said Kolacinski.

     Fox also said that he is taking the students on trips to varying locations such as Fright Night at Kennywood, Senior High County Chorus, PMEA Honors Choir, District Chorus and Market Square in Pittsburgh. He added that his goal is to “be a presence within the community.”

     With the new involvement in the community, the student’s skill and talent is on showcase for all who attend these events. 

    Fox said that, “I get to see my students every day, which is nice,” something he previously could not say at the middle school level, as students attended the class on a rotating schedule.

     Fox also encouraged any curious students to give the chorus program a try.

     “Don’t think you’ve had to have sung last year or sung ever before in a choir. We’d love to have you,” Fox said.

     The chorus classes will be performing their Christmas show music on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. in the high school performing arts center; admission is free.
Hannah Hizer, News Editor