Choir Program | Arts Programming at Beloit Memorial

Not About You, It’s About Us

“If you have a mutual love of singing then absolutely, choir is for you. This is a place that welcomes you as well,” explained Ben Westphal, the choir director in his first year at BMHS. “In terms of what brings students in, I think it’s the camaraderie and being together, and really choir is a team more than anything.”

Many students in choir find that it is that mutual love of singing that makes everyone feel welcome and keeps them from making poor choices in other areas of their lives.

“I just loved singing. My teacher told me that this is a varsity thing, and I used to be a bad kid,” said Abner Rivera, a member of concert choir. “I love singing and I don’t want to get kicked out. …Since then, I’ve been staying out of trouble.”

Mr. Westphal tries to make sure he creates an environment that is both welcoming and strict, in which students like Abner Rivera have thrived.

“I try to create a classroom that is welcoming of all people, said Mr. Westphal. “No matter who you are or where you came from, you are welcome in this place. Choir is not about you, it’s about us. It’s about being a part of something that is bigger than just you, it’s many voices.”

Knight’s Choir

The team-oriented environment in choir gives many students a break from their other classes that are focused on solely individual achievement. It also allows them to meet new people whom they otherwise might not get to know.

“Choir has allowed me to meet people within my high school years that I probably would not have otherwise met,” explained Chassidy Walworth, a 12th grade choir member. “Everyone takes part in numerous school activities and has many different hobbies and ethnicities. It’s a really neat way to learn new things and take a step outside your usual surroundings.”

Beloit Memorial also has Knight’s Choir, which gives students with disabilities the opportunity to sing with members of Women’s Varsity choir. It is a unique opportunity that the students love.

“My very first year I came in and I was super shy, and the music teacher just told me to be myself and make a whole bunch of friends and I did,” explained Felisha Weigel, a member of Knight’s Choir.

About Expressing Oneself

The feeling of unity is a central characteristic to the choir program, and to many students it is the ability to create something together that amplifies the environment of togetherness.

“I like the fact that choir brings me together with people of all different ethnicities,” continued Felisha.

Additionally, choir offers a social outlet for students’ love of music. Students are able to express that love through dancing as well as singing.
“I like singing a lot with my beautiful voice,” explained Hunter James Otto, who is also a member of Knight’s Choir. “I like dancing through some of the beats… I usually get excited to dance so hard.

Hunter’s enthusiasm captures the purpose of the program.

“It’s more than about just learning the right pitches and the right notes; it’s about making music, it’s about expressing oneself,” says Mr. Westphal.

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