The Spectrum Choir Program has experienced a lot of change these past few years due to the having new Choir directors.

“It’s been different…it’s a lot different now with a male choir teacher, he brings a lot more…new ideas to the choir…I really like it,” says Pryor Deusterman, a sophomore who has had the privilege of being taught by the last three choir directors.

Despite the alterations to the students’ routines, many of them are grateful for it and are excited about the new perspective.

“And, then, now, with this new choir teacher, it’s been great so far! I really like him. I think he has a lot of new visions, and he really respects us and our input, and he does want to make changes, but he doesn’t want to make changes that will make us feel uncomfortable or make us feel like it’s too different,” says Bella Schluender, a junior at Spectrum High School.

The newest addition to the Choir Program is Director Jacob Kempenich. The transition to Spectrum has had some ups and downs for him, but it has been an overall positive experience.

“There’s a couple things that have been a transition…working with an 8-period day…turning to a block period day has been a big transition but I like…having lots of time for rehearsal. As far as, you know, administration goes, it seems like there’s such…a great support system here at Spectrum and it’s just…anything that I ask for help with…they are so willing to help me…which is so cool,” says Kempenich.

Having new teachers is a transition for the teachers involved, the students, and the veteran staff. Sharla Sundberg, the choir piano Accompanist since September 2017, expresses that she welcomes the switches in the choir program.

“At times it’s difficult, and, yet, like I said, each choir director brings something new to the table, and, so, I feel like I learn more, and the kids learn more and…change is sometimes hard, but it’s also good,” Sundberg says.

All of these influential changes to the choir program have left a lot to look forward to for students and staff.

“I’m looking forward to students being involved…going to honor choirs, performing the national anthem at games…their concerts. I just really enjoy students getting out of their comfort zones, or what they think is ‘cool,’ and doing something that they might not have…getting students involved and expressing themselves through the art of singing; it’s so cool, and I can’t wait to see more of it,” Kempenich says.

“Probably just hanging out with the people…I think that the concerts this year are going to be…better…because of Mr. Kempenich’s new ideas and better songs,” Deusterman says.