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On April 31 and May 1, at 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., under the direction of Ms. Deborah Tejada, the Choir at Van Nuys High School put on a show, the last one of the year. The three levels, Vocal Ensemble, Luminaires and Vannaires, performed a variety of songs, ranging from mainstream pop like “Birds Of A Feather” by Billie Ellish to classics like “Part Of Your World”.
Other performances included Vocal Ensemble performing “Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina and The Waves, Luminaires with “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer and Vannaires singing “Desafinado” by João Gilberto and Stan Getz.
Along with group performances there were also a handful of solos and duets that were only open to the Seniors within the Choir Program. Senior Xavier Martin-Porter performed “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, Senior Addison Cudd performed “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Senior Maya Diaz performed her original song, “Flower”.
Diaz has been in Vannaires for all four years of her high school career, and it’s been a memorable journey.
“It’s been an honor working with talented and passionate people and I’m so grateful to have learned so much along the way,” says Diaz. “It’s crazy to think that just a short time ago I was a nervous, inexperienced Freshman and now I’m pursuing a degree in Music.”
Similarly, Junior Jasmine Otero has been in Choir for three years, but in Luminaries. Otero always loves doing the Choir shows and can’t wait for the next ones.
“I love Choir, it’s such a great experience to be a part of,” says Otero. “Although it’s only been three years, every show gets better and better. This one specifically was filled with laughter and love on and off stage. I can’t wait to do more next year, everyone should go to the choir shows.”
Although there are many students continuing to do Choir in the 2025-2026 school year, the 2025 graduates are sad to go. Senior Deven Martinez just recently joined Choir, and wishes they could stay for longer.
“I haven’t been in Choir for long but this group has really felt like home, and this last show was most special to me,” says Martinez. “All of the songs I performed with my fellow Vannaires have been a blast to do and I’m so thankful for the short time I’ve had with them.”
It’s no secret that Choir is a great community and family, but their shows are even better. Audience member Sophomore Elle Sinio thought the show was beautiful.
“The show was breathtaking,” says Sinio. “The performers put so much effort into making such an amazing show. I’m sure to not miss it in the Fall!”
