As many students know, Forest Grove High School has several choir classes, such as Chorale, Bass Tenor, and Alto Soprano choirs, but there is one other that many students don’t even realize exists. Da Capo is a smaller choir that meets every morning during block 0. There are so many reasons that one might choose Da Capo as their choir class, such as “to get a 27th credit to graduate with honors,” as Micah Ouchida, one of our basses did. Many members joined either because they had friends or family in the choir, or they simply wanted to sing as much as possible.
“Da Capo has many different experiences that are detached from the main choir, due to the fact that it is smaller, it is easier to travel places to perform,” (Freeman). For example, in the winter time this year, Da Capo went caroling in downtown Forest Grove. We also caroled in front of the Theater in the Grove to provide holiday spirit and entertainment for those who were going to watch Scrooge: The Musical.
During the winter season, Da Capo also sang at The Grotto, a beautiful church in Portland. When I asked members what their favorite experience so far in Da Capo was, many answered singing at the Grotto. After our set, we could go explore the gardens and look at the beautiful lights, taking pictures and having fun with each other.
There are also many other opportunities we have to “sing outside of school and earn donations for the class and art program” (Galvez). One time, we sang at a church and they gave us a large sum of donations so that we could continue funding the choirs and other performing arts groups at Forest Grove High School. In the beginning of spring, we were able to sing during the opening of Forest Grove’s Wednesday Market, which continues all through summer.
Overall, we can all agree that the best part of being in such a motivated group as Da Capo is the people. It is so much fun spending hours practicing with such wonderful people and watching the songs we work so hard on coming together. Shane Glenn notes that choir can “[bring] people together that would not be friends otherwise,” which I fully agree with. For example, I would never have been able to become better friends with Shane or Micah without joining this choir.
Da Capo also provides a safe space for students to be their full unapologetic selves. During my interviewing process, one member, Greyson, told me a story that greatly highlighted this fact. He recalled, “Me and my fellow tenors in choir always have a great time when practicing. We joke around and laugh all the time. Recently, I walked into Da Capo and the entire tenor section was laying upside down along the steps built into the floor of the choir room, so I just joined them.”
Another huge part about being in any of the choirs is the amazing presence of our teacher: Barry Berdahl. He ensures learning is always fun and makes us laugh at almost every rehearsal. Adrien stated, “I would highly recommend taking any choir class with Berdahl. He is an amazing teacher, and he always makes any class fun and engaging.” I’m positive that every member agrees wholeheartedly. For example, his latest obsession has been to use modern-day slang. “Mr. Berdahl is a skibidi rizzler, whose drip is fire. It be like that. No cap” (Berdahl himself).
Choirs are always fun, and there is always space for more voices. Abra – who has participated in most of the singing opportunities – leaves us with some sound advice, “[she] recommend[s] anyone and everyone to join a choir, if not choir, then some kind of music class, they open up a door to so many experiences that you wouldn’t normally get.” Another member says, “I would recommend joining [Soprano Alto choir] or [Tenor Bass choir] if you are just starting, Chorale if you are really good, and Da Capo if you are motivated” (Cody).
And lastly, Diego Sanchez demands you to “Join Da Capo. The only thing is that it’s at 7:30 in the morning. Come sing we need more people,” because sadly, quite a few of our members are leaving due to graduating. Remember “Choir helps you bolster your self-confidence. Singing in a choir can help you loosen up, be yourself, and believe in your abilities. The choir helps you maintain your mental health. Studies have shown that choral singing can enhance brain function, strengthen feelings of togetherness, and reduce stress and depression,” (Berdahl). If you are interested in joining any of the choirs, talk to your counselor to have it included in your schedule, I promise it’s worth it.