By Sloane Samberson
Staff Writer
@SloaneSamberson
As they turn the page and start a new chapter in their lives, Coppell High School choir seniors Brianna Haynie, Matthew Thomas and Ali Lewis have big plans to implement their passion for singing, music and skills learned in choir into a college degree.
In this exclusive interview, the trio reminisces on their experience in the CHS choir and how choir has made them who they are today, and ruminates on future endeavors once graduating from college as a musician.
Brianna Haynie
Voice Type: Alto
Interesting Fact: When she was 13, Haynie sang with band Boys Like Girls and won a $16,000 scholarship for music.
College: Santa Fe University of Art and Design
When did you start singing?
I’ve been singing since I could talk. My whole family is super musical; there was never a time where I wasn’t positive what I was going to do for the rest of my life. I always knew singing would be my career choice, it is the one thing I really loved, was good at and could always do.
Explain your experience being in the CHS choir.
Choir has opened up a lot of doors for me to sing in front of people, to make music with people. I sing pop and rock, sometimes bluesy music, so singing choral music is totally different and it gives you the math and science, the technicality behind music rather than just, “Oh I like this, I’m going to sing it.” It teaches you the skills you need to be successful in music.
How has choir shaped you as a person?
As a person, choir itself gave me motivation to keep my grades up. I struggled with that sophomore year. II stopped caring about my grades a little bit and my choir teacher pulled me aside and was like, “Brianna, I want you active in this program and you can’t do that unless you make good grades.” Choir has made me a harder worker.
In the future, what do you want to do as a vocalist?
I’m not exactly sure what I am going to do. I know that I want to preform. I am really excited to play around with composition and start writing music for people and recording music myself. I’m thinking about opening my own recording studio, and recording my own music as well as other people’s too.
Matthew Thomas
Voice Type: Bass
Interesting Fact: Besides singing, Thomas can play the piano, marimba, guitar, xylophone and drums. He was in band for six years.
College: University of Texas
Why did you join choir?
The main reason I joined choir was to broaden my musical spectrum. At that point, I had already had a passion for writing music so I wanted to be well versed in a variety of musical platforms. I did band for six years, I played solo piano for a long time, and now I have choir too. I love the sound that a choir makes, so I have fallen in love with that which has lead me to write songs for choir.
With choir how has that helped you in writing music?
Just being able to watch [CHS choir director Josh Brown] and our assistants work with [the choir] has helped me in writing music. It helps me know what to put down in terms of expression and what helps the musicians. I have learned not to be so nitpicky about certain expressive aspects because choir directors are going to take a piece for themselves and each performance of a piece will be unique.
What has your experience in the CHS choir been like?
My experience in choir has been wonderful. I joined choir last year. I wasn’t scared joining because I felt like I had a pretty good musical background, but I was apprehensive not knowing anybody. I ended up making good friends really quickly. The music that we have sung has been really inspiring, and it has made me grow attached to choir.
What are your hopes for your future in music?
My main interest is going into film scoring – that has always been my dream. Most of the time film scorers come from a classically trained background, so I feel well prepared.
Ali Lewis
Voice Type: Soprano
Interesting Fact: Despite being in choir, Lewis has major stage fright.
College: Oklahoma State University
When did you start singing?
When I was about 6, I did a church talent show, and I won. I always sang little nursery rhymes and memorized commercial jingles. My whole life I’ve always loved singing.
Explain your experience being in the CHS choir.
Being a part of the CHS choir has been an awesome experience. It is so cool to see how much we have grown as a choir and how much I have grown personally. It was hard at times, but we’ve all gotten through it. In the end it’s been one of the best experiences; I wouldn’t take it back for anything. This year was my favorite year of choir since I am a senior. I felt like a role model for the younger students.
How has choir shaped you as a person?
Choir has given me a lot of social skills because I am an introvert. I’m shy and not very open, but choir has brought me so many friends. I’ve learned to take instruction very well and apply it to what we’re doing. Choir has just opened me up.
What are your hopes for your future as a vocalist?
The plan is to get my doctorate in Music Education so I can go on to teach a college or high school choir. As a vocalist I would like to develop my voice more than it already has, to have a “Big Voice” as people in the choir world would say. I just want to teach a choir, that is my main goal. I just want to teach others so that they can develop the same love that I have for choir.
