For the first time since 2004, the Bearden choir was invited to perform at the Tennessee Music Education Association (TMEA) choir showcase.
Prior to being invited, schools from around the state must submit a compilation of two years of performances, proving their consistent excellence. Students weren’t concerned, though, because they were both confident in the program’s commitment to family, regardless of whether or not they received an invite.
When building a set list for their TMEA showing, the choir selected six words associated with the program, naming: joy, growth, challenge, belonging, home and love. The program then chose a piece dedicated to each chosen attribute.
“It’s an honor to be a school selected to compete at TMEA and perform the set list that was so personal to us,” sophomore Sarah Welden said. “Our goal at TMEA was to put on a good performance, but more importantly show the community that we have made of Bearden choir.”
Chorus teacher Mr. Steven Brown shared similar aspirations.
“I approached this as being a window into our classroom so people across the state can see the special environment that our students have cultivated,” he said.
The students credit this atmosphere to their passion and dedication to the choir program.
“It was the loving environment that I found in choir that enticed me to stay,” senior Carson McVeigh said.
Added Welden: “For me, it was the sense of home that Bearden choir brings.”
A belief in self-improvement has allowed the choir program to further their accolades year after year. Mr. Brown shares that this core value was fundamental to their improvement.
“I try to foster an environment of self improvement, not through degrading each other but rather building one another up,” he said.
In the future, McVeigh hopes that the Bearden choir will partake in more expansive conferences, as he believes that the talent bestowed by the program exceeds the state level.
“In the future, I hope to see the program competing at the regional level to showcase the excellence of Bearden Choir,” he said.