Laughter and chatter subsides as the choir begins warming up together. Coppell High School senior Annelise Holguin knows these scales by heart, and each note fills her with satisfaction. 

Holguin’s obsession with choir began in sixth grade at Coppell Middle School East. Holguin did not know much about it and had only sung in church a couple times. Her schedule was just about filled up with cross country and art, but after seeing that she had one free period left, she decided to sign up for choir. That decision grew into a never-ending love Holguin has for music today. 

“She always looks forward to choir and it’s truly one of her favorite activities,” CHS senior Jessica Yang said. “She really enjoys her time in a cappella choir as well as Madrigals.”  

Sports have always been a large part of Holguin’s life and at one point held more importance to her than singing. Going into high school, music was on the back burner as she planned on competing in cross country. 

In July prior to freshman year, plans changed. 

Holguin suffered a stress fracture to her leg and was unable to compete for most of her freshman year. At the time, this was crushing. The only thing that she could truly participate in was choir, and she appreciated it much more. The setback in cross country pushed choir into the forefront of Holguin’s mind, and she knew before the first semester of freshman year that she would be taking choir for all four years.   

“I will never forget my first impression of Annelise,” Coppell choir director Bona Coogle said. “Everytime during rehearsal, I would look up and see her singing with such great vowel shapes. Her lips were rounded, and she was so passionate. No matter what day or time of the rehearsal, she is always with me and following every direction and feedback.”

In sophomore year, Holguin fulfilled a goal by auditioning and making it into Coppell High School’s Madrigals feast which is set in medieval times and is held traditionally on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7. 

“In seventh grade, I saw the Madrigals feast and I was like, ‘I want to do that.’ So I did. I worked super hard to make it in, because it is very incredibly selective,” Holguin said. “There are a lot of very talented people in choir, so it is very easy to compare yourself. At that moment when I was performing on the half wall in the commons my sophomore year, it didn’t matter to me because I had made it and I was proud of pushing myself to get there. When I knew that Madrigals wasn’t going to happen as it is traditionally held [this year], it was heartbreaking and devastating. I’ve been looking forward to my senior year in Madrigals for a long time. Last year was great, and it was easily the happiest moment of my life.”

Holguin strongly believes the key to earning top spots in choir is not based on how naturally talented one is, rather the amount of effort one puts forth. 

“To the best of your ability, be active every day in class. Everyday I try to go in and give my utmost attention to choir and really work,” Holguin said. “I show the directors that I care. Going in and showing that you want to work, learn and understand is what matters.”

The election process for choir is meticulous. In order to hold a position in office, you must create a video explaining why you’re a good fit and provide two references who can speak on your leadership abilities. After all choir students watch the video and vote, it is taken up to the directors to decide. In January of this year, Holguin did not know that she would be elected but had anticipated a position on the leadership team. She had begun planning many different events, but had to scrap most of the plans because of COVID-19. However, she handles the setbacks with grace and positivity. 

“I appreciate her being the choir president because she creates a relaxed and fun, family-like environment in the choir room,” Coogle said. “No matter what it is I need help with, she is always the first one to offer help. She creates an open environment and it happens naturally because that’s just who she is as a person. She’s one of those students where if you’re having a bad day, one conversation with them will cheer you up.”  

In the future, Holguin plans on attending Texas State University because of its excellent choir program and size. 

“They have good majors and there are Coppell Choir alumni who currently attend and so I’ve been able to talk with them and get their opinions,” Holguin said. “I really love choir and I can’t see myself ever not doing it. As of right now, my plan is to minor in music, or do choir in college and then after college, go to community choir. That way, it’s not where I’m making my living but I still get to do what I love.” 

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