BHS choir has taken off, with many students trying choir for the first time, along with students who have done choir in the past.
“I started choir in 8th grade, and I enjoyed singing the songs Mrs. Naughtin picked out for us,” freshman Elliet Morten said.
Purple Choir is one of the many choirs you can join at BHS. Purple Choir is all girls or treble voices.
Rachel Naughtin is the teacher for all of the choirs. Baldwin City Choirs have impacted Naughtin in many ways.
“I absolutely love teaching choir for Baldwin Schools. I love watching my students grow from changing voices in junior high to accomplished musicians and singers in high school,” Naughtin said. “It’s so fun to build the program and watch my students flourish.”
Purple Choir has impacted many students’ lives.
“Choir has had a big impact on my life in many different aspects whether through the unending new opportunities, meeting new people, or the positive environment that is made in the choir room,” senior Olivia Callihan said. “I especially enjoy the concert choir because of how close everyone is. It is like a second family because everyone is always happy to support and lift each other up.”
Freshmen up through seniors (only women) can have Purple Choir as an elective. There is also a Concert Choir, Silver Choir and Acappela. Each choir’s students are different, whether it’s what year you are in, additions or what gender you are.
Many students are athletes as well, so Naughtin works around them.
Baldwin students tend to be involved in lots of activities, but I truly appreciate that they all make time for and prioritize choir during our “busy seasons” and give it their all when it’s time to come together for a memorable performance.
“I also enjoy being in purple choir again because it is cool to see people who may be new to choir fall in love with music just the way I did during purple choir,” Callihan said. “Baldwin City’s Choir is made special by not only my wonderful classmates but also Mrs. Naughtin and Ms. Kat. They never fail to make the choir room a fun and safe place for everyone.”
There are many events that each choir sings at.
“We generally have about one concert per quarter, but we always have lots of extra outreach events, signing at sporting games, and KSHSAA festivals in the spring,” Naughtin said. “The calendar fills up so quickly.”