Prior to each Vivace! performance, CHS9 student Henry Webb gathers anyone who wants to join him for a moment of prayer. Together, they repeat a verse he holds close to his heart: “Give all your worries to Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, ICB).

“I think doing that before any show definitely helps me,” Webb said. “It is a way to give everything to God before we go out and perform.”

Webb’s enthusiasm for performing helps him shine in one of Coppell High School’s most visible fine arts programs. However, his original passion for choir began four years ago at Mockingbird Elementary School, when a fifth-grade presentation by a visiting choir director convinced him to give the choir program at Coppell Middle School East a try.

“I have always loved singing and I’ve always loved dancing; it is such a different community to be a part of,” Webb said. “There’s a big range of music and emotions you can express, and I love that. It is just a great experience — I love performing and I love the people.”

In his first year in Vivace!, Webb quickly made his mark on the stage within the fast-paced realm of synchronized choreography, layered harmonies and long rehearsal hours. 

“At first, I was very scared,” Webb said. “I didn’t know if I was going to be able to be on the level that the show choir is at, but I’ve worked really hard and grown, so now I think I have definitely gotten better.” 

While the adjustment from middle school choir to Vivace! has not always been easy, Webb found his place through practice and, above all, from the community, enabling personal growth.

“Vivace! has taught me respect,” Webb said. “I’ve realized that I don’t need to stick out in order to be heard — that’s something that applies to life too, not just choir.”

Beyond his dedication to fine arts, his bubbly, welcoming personality replicates the same energy.

“Henry is very, very hardworking,” CHS9 student Claire McSpadden said. “He loves singing a lot, and he can light up the stage so well; his stage presence is incredible and noticed by everyone, whether they know him out of the choir room or not.”

Outside of the auditorium, Webb is known for his humor and uplifting nature, a role he plays both on and off stage.

“I have so many good memories with him while growing up, but specifically in show choir, he has made it such an enjoyable experience to be a part of and to have in each practice,” McSpadden said. “Henry constantly loves to make funny dad jokes and it’s been such a fun and silly energy to have in the choir program.”

Known for making a lasting first impression, Vivace! sophomore Ethan Tainter has been close with Webb the past three years since their time in choir at Coppell Middle School East. Tainter recounts how he first began enjoying Webb’s presence due to his bright personality.

“At first, I might have thought he was really energetic, but then, I became friends with him pretty quickly,” Tainter said. “He genuinely does think the best of others, always listens and tries to incorporate feedback others give him, along with just being a caring friend.”

Despite being a freshman in Vi

“There are so many people that on a normal day, as a CHS9 student, I wouldn’t meet,” Webb said. “It has been so cool to branch out, meet new people and support them in what they’re doing.”

Outside of choir, Webb also manages his time with the Cowboy Theatre Company, a new pursuit this year that has already seen him perform in “Matilda the Musical” and CHS9 play “The Wild Bunch Women.”

“I feel like you can do anything if you put your mind to it,” Webb said. “It’s all about time management and also making the important people in your life a priority, including yourself, your close friends and your family.”

Webb’s first year in Vivace! has been filled with a collection of memories and improvements, including a standout solo in the spring show on April 11. Beyond the strobing lights warming his face at every performance, Webb plans to continue his Vivace! journey throughout high school and looks toward his senior year performance of the traditional “Come Sail Away,” a sentimental moment where seniors lead the song as they look forward to their next steps after graduation.

“It represents sailing away to college and finishing your choir journey at CHS,” Webb said. “I am excited for that, but am also dreading it at the same time, because I can’t imagine leaving the family this program gave me.”

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