Choir Program Prepares for December Showcase

Choir+Program+Prepares+for+December+Showcase

Shanell Deshone, Reporter

Manual Arts High School has reintroduced the choir program this year and students are gearing up for their first performance set to take place on December 9th.  

The new choir director, Joshua Gronlund, arrived in Los Angeles in August to take over the program. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Gronlund started teaching choir at an all boys school in New York before moving west. Gronlund graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in music. For him, music helped him get through the tough times. “When I was growing up I always had music like when my parents got a divorce or when I went through different family things I always was able to come back to music,” said Gronlund. He found something that he was good at and eventually wanted to share his experience with others. “I really want to give kids the kind of experience that I had in my high school.”choir-2

Kayla Green, a current student in Gronlund’s class, is quickly learning that choir is not just about the music and singing. “I’ve learned that no matter what cultural background you may have, music, in a way, helps us all learn from each other,” explained Green. She believes choir builds a community.

For Gronlund, building community and a strong culture is his number one priority. “I absolutely believe choir will help students with teamwork activities and how to collaborate.” said Gronlund. “I believe my classes are doing an extremely good job and they are performing at such a high level.”

According to research done at The University of London by Professor Graham Welch, choir has emotional and physical benefits. The the aerobic activity required increases oxygenation in the bloodstream and choir students experience psychological benefits because of it’s normally positive effect in reducing stress levels.

The choir class is currently working hard to prepare for their concert which will take place December 9th.. All of Gronlund’s periods will perform  two songs that they have been working on since the first day of school.