Jesuit’s long-standing choir program is exceptional, fostering both incredible talent and a supportive environment where young vocalists can thrive.
According to students, the backbone of Jesuit Choir has been, and continues to be, the wonderful and talented Ms. Caldwell.
Caldwell teaches Performing Art Studio (a class for freshmen to learn one semester of choir and one semester of theatre/drama), Cantoria Choir (an ensemble for all high-register voices), Intro to Music Production (a non-performance class focusing on the building blocks of digital music) and Chamber Choir (an advanced ensemble for primarily juniors and seniors).
In addition, Ms. Caldwell serves as the chair for fine arts at Jesuit High School.
Junior Eli Hanson, a member of the Chamber Choir, described Caldwell as, “supportive, gentle, and very funny.”
Her enthusiasm for music and creativity excites all her students.
Junior Hadley Falken, a leader of the Cantoria Choir, added, “Ms. Caldwell is the kindest and most understanding teacher. Her knowledge of music is vast and she’s always excited to try something new. She is very supportive and provides a fun and safe space for kids to express themselves and ideas freely.”
The choir is an integral part of the Jesuit community, performing at assemblies, mass, and even some sporting events.
The ensembles perform at many events outside of school throughout the year. Most notably, this December the choirs sang at the Grotto in Portland, Oregon.
“Recently we sang part of our Christmas program at the Grotto which has the most beautiful acoustics,” Falken said. “It’s so fun to see the beautiful lights then sing and listen to heavenly Christmas songs”.
Other events Jesuit choir attends include PSU Choir Fest, state contests and clinics at University of Washington in Seattle.
This year is packed with exciting events, including a trip to San Francisco later this year with the band.
The ensembles are also invited on special retreats throughout the year to work on their goals, technique, bond, and have fun as a choir family. These retreats are held on campus or even some are at the beach.
Along with these fun events, the choirs put on many shows throughout the year— their biggest and most popular being the Christmas concert. All ensembles prepare pieces to share alongside the band.
Annual concerts include the Fall concert, the Christmas concert, the Spring concert, and finally the Senior Showcase to celebrate the seniors in choir before they graduate.
Many students tend to join a choir elective Freshman year for fun, fall in love with the community and decide to stay in choir all four years of high school.
“Singing is fun, but Ms. Caldwell and the choir itself made me want to stay involved,” Hanson said.
He joined choir over a year ago and plans on continuing singing in Chamber Ensemble through his senior year.
Students of all levels and ambition are welcomed and embraced. For students like Falken, what makes the Jesuit choir unique is the friendships made through song.
“The friendships and bonds I’ve made with everyone in my class has pushed me to continue choir and branch out my interest,” Falken said.
