As the rain showers wash away winter blues and bring in fresh daisies and petunias for spring, Etowah’s choral program nears the end of another successful year, closing it with new friendships, hearty laughter and memories to last a lifetime. On May 3, 2025, the Etowah Chorus attended “Southern Star,” a music competition sprinkled with southern charm, where they were given the chance to compete against other choirs both in and around Ga. Though rain clouds may have blocked a sunny day with thunder, lightning and ponchos in every color, the chorus still managed to make the best of it, seizing the day to bond with fellow singers before seniors bid farewell to the comforting chorus room and the younger classmates with whom they have shared their love of music with for years.
Before Etowah’s singers journey to Paul Duke High School in Norcross, Ga. to sing, they gather in the chorus room already in concert-black to socialize and prepare one last time for competition. This year, Etowah’s festival group comprised of members from the Cresendbros, the Blue and Gold Treble and the Elite Treble sang two contrasting but thrilling songs, both of which gained much appreciation from the judges. To begin, they sang “Kuimba Nafsi Yangu” by Jacob Narverud, a Swahili piece that livened spirits everywhere with its subtle yet powerful crescendo and key-change. Closely following this was “Time” by Jennifer Lucy Cook, a captivating melody that detailed the stress building up as humanity circles endlessly around the racing clock.
Picture retrieved from the Etowah Chorus Program.
After singing, the chorus hopped back onto the bus to close their musical adventure at Six Flags in Austell, Ga., where they were able to cool down and have fun before finding out their placement in the competition. After singing, many noted that they felt confident about their performance, only raising anticipation for the upcoming awards ceremony set later in the evening. Whether they be riding the fastest roller coasters or hanging out by the benches, Etowah’s chorus made the most of their hours spent with each other, strengthening choral bonds before seniors say goodbye.
Picture retrieved from the Etowah Chorus Program.
With summer break swiftly approaching, many students are thrilled to be stuck in textbooks no longer; however, for Etowah’s seniors, summer break sadly means goodbye to the school and to the people who have made the difficult journey a little brighter. In chorus, many seniors found sanctuary within the poster-plastered and pun-filled walls that characterized the chorus room. Time spent sharing music and laughter on the risers seemed to make even the hardest days a little better. Standing in unity on the stage brought peace to even the gloomiest of hearts. Even so, saying goodbye to Etowah does not close doors—it opens new ones. Many seniors plan to continue singing in college, allowing them to still stay true to their passion and giving them the opportunity to make new memories with those who share their passion for music. Music is something that will never truly let go of someone, and every soft melody reaching Etowah alumni’s ears will bring them back to their sunny, song-filled memories at their alma mater with a warm embrace.
For many, Six Flags’ greatest appeals are the fast roller coasters, the insanely high rides and the stomachache brought about from a mix of both queasiness and laughter; however, these rides did not exactly make the cut for everyone in Etowah’s chorus. Instead, many took the time to peruse around the various gift shops, enjoy the cool air and spend quality time with friends with their feet firm on the ground.
As many would expect, May’s long-anticipated arrival should melt away the winter chills, reintroducing warmth and light back to the Earth’s hardened and cold soil. On competition day, however, fun in the sun was not exactly the case. Instead, Etowah’s chorus spent much of their time at Six Flags wishing away rain clouds, hoping that they would not look up and see a lightning bolt threatening to close off the park. With thoughts, prayers and a slight miracle, the chorus beat the rain by mere minutes, providing them with a safe (and dry) ride back home.
Picture retrieved from the Etowah Chorus Program.
Results from the day’s competition are in, raising anticipation in choir students scattered all over Six Flags. Before winners were announced, however, singers were given the opportunity to let their energy out through the art of dance. Much of Etowah’s chorus took great pleasure in this, quickly jumping at the chance to dance as a group and making more memories whilst doing so. Though other choirs participated in the fun, as well, a clear distinction between the rather sparse dancers from other schools and the sizeable crowd accumulated from Etowah set off an obvious difference between the competitors, bringing about attention and admiration for Etowah’s fine art students.
Picture retrieved from the Etowah Chorus Program.
At last, the time to announce the winners came round, sprinkling choir students and directors alike with anxiety and anticipation. Beginning with a short spiel on the competition’s history and its significance in the south, the announcer clears her throat, already sensing the excitement electrifying the cool and dewy air. With a glance at Etowah, she first announces that the festival group received gold ratings from all three judges, calling on a great deal of celebration from Etowah’s singers. After listing off other scorings, she finally takes one more steady breath and announces the placement of Etowah’s Elite Treble group, one comprised of Etowah’s most talented and hardworking treble voices. Within seconds, cheers erupt from Etowah once again as Elite is given first place for their excellent performance of the songs “Ëgyëtëm, Bëgyëtëm“ by Kodály Zoltán and “When Somebody Loved Me” by Randy Newman. After a year of hard work, this title did not come as a surprise but rather as a feeling of pride, for it rightfully rewarded every hour spent preparing for the long-awaited competition.
With graduation day soon popping up on calendars, Etowah chorus’s seniors know that their time in the chorus room is up. Even so, the lasting memories made is something that will never be taken away, leaving a music note-shaped spot in seniors’ hearts to cherish the moments spent with their beloved choir. Celebrating their win with a serene ride back home, seniors are grateful to have shared this competition with their choir family, letting them say goodbye to Etowah on a good note.
