A fter moving to a new town and accepting a job with Lake City High School , Angel quickly fell in love with high school choral sound and the many personalities of each singer . Today , she is the high school ’ s Choral Director . “ That includes four concert choirs , one honors / show choir , and a piano class . All choirs have two major concerts per year and compete in at least one festival . We also perform one musical annually . During my five years , we have taken part in a wide variety of events in the state , as well as in New York City , Virginia Beach , Atlanta , and Nassau . In order for the students to have these kinds of opportunities , though , we do A LOT of fundraising !” According to Angel , music is an important tool in a child ’ s education . “ Researchers have found that music aids in language and reasoning , builds creative thinking , improves spatial intelligence , and provides many other important benefits in brain development and growth . Being part of a musical group also teaches a child the discipline of practice and the importance of teamwork . Those are crucial life skills for students , whether they choose a career after high school or go on to higher education .”
When she comes across students who aren ’ t confident in their singing abilities , “ Right away , I try to instill team mentality in them and get them to buy into the fact that they are an important part of the whole . My classroom is very active and goal-oriented . I try to stay current on the music the students listen to and use excerpts of songs for examples ( or non-examples ) in vocal technique . Planning lessons that are active and relevant are strategies I use to make class fun and interesting .” More than anything , Angel wants her students to know that they matter . “ Self-esteem is so fragile in high school . Today , students are more vulnerable than ever . Finding a place to belong is so important and , in my room , I hope they feel wanted and needed .”
Angel knows firsthand about the life-changing qualities of music . “ I have always been a thrill-seeker , thanks to my dad . I love fast roller coasters and theme park adrenaline rushes . But , performing music has replaced that need for
the extreme in me . There is nothing like the rush of opening night or the natural high I feel after my students perform well . English playwright and poet William Congreve summed it up best , ‘ Music has charms to soothe a savage breast , to soften rocks or bend a knotted oak .’”
Angel lives for the moments when students find joy in their chorus class . “ Two years ago , a senior made a comment to me during a trip to Carowinds that sums up the most rewarding part of my job . She said , ‘ This is the best day of my life ! I got to ride a roller coaster for the first time , and we won a superior rating !’” The only downside is working with a small budget , but she doesn ’ t let that limit her class . “ I believe the students of Lake City deserve to have the same opportunities as students in other areas , and we are willing to do what it takes to make that happen .” She ’ s willing to go above and beyond for her students , as they have motivated her both in and out of the classroom . “ They inspire me by showing me how much they truly care about me and our program . I feel as if we have our own little family in the choral department . They encourage me and can tell when I don ’ t feel well or am upset . They get excited when I dream of a new vocal warm-up and compliment me on my ideas . Their influence in my life is greater than they know .”
In addition to teaching , Angel is the Music Associate for Lake City United Methodist Church , where she is in charge of the children ’ s choir and is a substitute pianist / organist . She also teaches private voice and piano lessons , is active in the Lake City Community Theater , sings and plays for weddings and special occasions , and is a member of the Lake City Community Chorale . “ I rarely refuse any opportunity to perform , and this includes karaoke ! One of my favorite things to do is re-live my rock band days with karaoke .” Each opportunity to express her passion is a treasure , but nothing tops her work in the classroom . “ I am looking forward to my students surpassing my expectations and to the challenging questions they may have . It makes me proud for them to excel and demonstrate proficiency in the skills I have worked so hard to teach .”
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