By Robin Giles ’12, Arts & Entertainment Editor

After this year’s fantastic fall choral concert, I had the opportunity to chat with Gracie McNeely, the only senior in the choral program this year.  Here’s a transcript of our conversation:

RG: How long have you participated in Newark Academy’s choral program?

GM: I started in the sixth grade chorus with Mrs. Jacoby, then took a break and pursued orchestra.  But when I realized I’m better with my voice than I am with the piano, I rejoined sophomore year with Mr. Lal.  I’ve been doing it ever since and joined Evening Singers my junior year.

RG: What’s it like being the only senior in the choral program this year?  Is it liberating, or more of a responsibility?

GM: Both!  It’s fun because I love chorus, and I still have friends in the choir, but it’s also a responsibility because I represent the choral program for the senior class.

RG: Do you consider yourself a mentor to the underclassmen?

GM: Yes and no.  I want them to look up to me so they continue singing, but I’m not the “mother hen” of the chorus or anything like that.  I’m still a student.  I’m still learning.

RG: What’s the most significant thing that you’ve learned as part of the Newark Academy choral program?

GM: Well… obviously my singing has improved so much, and I’ve learned to read music much better.  But I think the most valuable thing I’ve gained from the program is a true appreciation of good music.  Choral music used to be “boring,” but when you’re a part of creating the sound, you really become attached and try to perfect it.

RG: Do you plan to continue singing after you graduate, in college or as a career?

GM: Probably not as a career.  Singing is one of my favorite hobbies, and I’d like to keep it that way.  I definitely want to pursue a cappella in college, but I’m not sure if I want to continue more choral music.

RG: One last thing.  Any words of wisdom for the younger kids in the program, or to those who hope to take up singing?

GM:  Just a few.  If you’ve ever sung in the shower, or even thought about singing, you should give it a shot.  There’s really no harm in trying.  I wasn’t a huge fan of singing when I joined chorus, but now I know I’ve discovered a passion that I’ll never lose.  Oh, and to those of you who say, “I’m overwhelmed with work, I can’t possibly make time to sing”: try it anyway. I have a lot on my plate, and I’ve still managed to love chorus.  You won’t regret it.