Minnetonka Choir has been a school legacy since 1952. Choir has certainly changed 71 years later, however one thing remains the same: the experience the students share singing together.
Aaron Kohrs, the choir director at Minnetonka High School, believes choir is a nice outlet for students busy taking rigorous classes. “It’s nice to make some art as a team, and I feel like everyone can benefit from that.” Unlike most classes, choir is less dependent on the individual student’s progress and more on the success of everyone in class as a whole. The students have to work together everyday, which helps to form strong relationships.
When Anna Rosen, ‘25, a student in concert choir, was asked how the students in choir become so connected, she explained that “singing takes a lot of strength, and even though it’s vulnerable, classmates are very supportive.” Singing in front of others is never easy, but in order for everyone to sound unified, they have to support each other.
Micah Hunter, ‘26, can remember when he first joined choir he was excited to be a part of the community but was a little nervous at first. At a concert choir retreat back in September, Micah remembers when they played a game which organized everyone by age. “I’m the youngest person in concert choir right now, so when my name was called I went to the end of the line, and everyone started clapping for me.” Even when the students in choir differ drastically in age, which is completely unrelated to singing, everyone still makes an effort to create a friendly environment.
No class is perfect of course, but being able to walk into class every day having a sense of belonging, and feeling appreciated might be one of the most memorable things choir students share in their collective experience.
