Faith Olores is the name echoing within the halls of our school, especially in the choir room. Being a junior and a Soprano 2, Faith’s vocal talent has caught the attention of both her peers and teachers. From the very first note to her third year in high school, her commitment to music has been relentless. She grew to become, over these years, one of the best in choir, while she still vividly burns with love to sing. Faith can remember specifically, if asked what got her into choir and eventually singing, how it all began: a calling – one she had, one in which the love of singing grew as one finds their voice. She can look back now at those days in the choir and remember distinct moments in the beginning of it all, starting that fire that has blossomed into her deeper love of the craft today.
“The first time I realized that singing was something that I truly wanted to pursue was further along into my choir journey, in middle school. I had already been in choir since elementary, but it was because of my middle school choir teacher, Ms. Glover, where I learned that singing was something you could seriously pursue, both career and hobby wise,” said Olores. “I had always loved singing since I was young, and had been surrounded by a very musically-inclined family, but my experience in middle school choir at Fowler had greatly sparked the idea that I could take my small singing dreams and work them into reality.”
Amidst both the admiration and criticism, one serious musician will attest to a key factor to develop a voice which people remember: practice and preparation – Faith’s voice training coupled with the frequent practice sessions does the trick. The training exercises which she goes through keep her voice fit and ready for any event.
“There are many parts to choir, but if you take it step by step and learn the basics, you will definitely be able to succeed and grow,” said Olores. “I would also say that if you want to pursue singing in a way to improve your voice, sound, and vocal health, taking vocal lessons with an established vocal teacher is the way to go. I had not taken vocal lessons prior to high school and started late into freshman year, and sometimes I wish I had taken them sooner.”
Faith’s time in choir has been quite memorable, but one performance has stood out. She can still feel those emotions whenever she remembers that performance. It reminds her of how music can touch hearts and create long-lasting memories.
“The performance that stands out to me the most was the time I sang in the 2022 Region 24 Choir concert in the Mixed Choir, directed under Dr. Christopher Aspaas,” said Olores. “I had just made the top region choir as a freshman, and it was a greatly intimidating yet exciting experience, for I had never sung with a choir at such a powerful and talented caliber before. I will always remember that it was that day I remembered why I loved choir so much, and that I don’t think I could ever live without music or singing in my life.”
More than her experiences, Faith can share her advice with students who may want to enter choir or become a vocal musician. She truly believes her road was paved with hard work and determination, but anyone can find their voice if they so wish and put in the effort. This is testimony enough to the music that changes.
“To someone first starting in choir, I would first tell them to make sure to enjoy the connections of others and the experience of music it provides you, and to never lose sight of why you want to sing,” said Olores. “In a technical manner, I would tell them to not feel too overwhelmed with it either; choir is more than just singing, but also with its musical literacy, music theory, and vocal technique.”
She’s feeling really excited for the potential that is available to her in the future: with choir and the entire realm of music. Her dreams were fostered well in high school, and yes, she truly does wish to carry this forward past high school age. Performance perhaps, teaching maybe, or other venues within music – Faith does desire to move further.
“As I look into the future, though as overwhelming as it may be, I greatly look forward to hopefully pursuing a higher education as a music major in college,” said Olores. “My current dream is to become a choir director for a high school, and later on to potentially direct and conduct a college choir. Though I love vocal performance, I love experiencing the magic of choir alongside fellow singers even more, and by directing a choir with aspiring music members, I believe that would be most fulfilling.”
Faith Olores is talent, hard work, and passion combined in a beautiful way. And as she nears the end of high school, it goes without saying that her music journey is far from over. Bright years ahead, her love for singing and choir will be an inspiration for years to many around her.
