Every year the Athens Drive vocal ensemble and women’s chorus gives the students an enjoyable Valentine’s Day through “Singing Valentines.” Each year, the students go around the school to sing to people in their classrooms.
There are many love songs like “Stuck Like Glue,” “Four Years Time,” “Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart,” “Happy Together,” and more that were purchased. “Lean On Me” and “Stand By Me” are two traditional songs the chorus does every year. Each year, the chorus works to add newer popular songs like “1234” and “Fallin’ For You.”
The songs were sold in the cafeteria lobby $4 for each. Singing Valentines with a rose were also available, as well as a Jungle Jag.
Students bought Singing Valentines for each other for different reasons. People wanted to give it to their special someone, siblings or even friends to show how much they mean to them. This tradition has been able to continue for so long because many people buy them.
“It’s a way to show people you care about them,” said Matthew Washington, sophomore and chorus student.
This is not only fun for students to hear in the classrooms but also for the chorus. The chorus students are able to show how hard they have worked and earn money for their efforts.
One of the main purposes of the Singing Valentines is to raise money for the chorus. These fundraisers enable the chorus to take trips and compete in competitions. This year, chorus took a trip to Washington, D.C to sing at the John F. Kennedy Center. The Singing Valentines also let chorus students show their vocal abilities off to the whole school, not just at competitions.
Chorus students were put in groups and assigned certain songs to sing. This fundraiser brought people together to bond and work hard.
“Music is a unifying force,” said Joy Clayton, chorus teacher.
Some teachers had the recipient of the Singing Valentine sit on a chair in the front of the classroom to hear the song that was sent to them. A few teachers, like Phyllis Danskin, math teacher, allowed their students to remain in their seats. The students reacted in different ways when they got a Valentine. Some people were excited, grateful or embarrassed, but in the end most people enjoyed their Singing Valentine.
“People were really happy,” commented Ellice Johnson, junior.
This year many students have bought Singing Valentines for other people. They chose songs that relate back to the other person. This is a great way for the chorus to earn money, and it also lets the students, choral included, have a great time.