The Montague Choir is more than just a group of students singing together—it’s a family. Whether members join with years of experience or are stepping into choir for the first time, the group welcomes everyone with open arms. In a recent conversation with Montague Choir members Madi Kahl and Ethan Sandoval, they shared their personal journeys, the choir’s unique culture, and the opportunities it provides for students of all backgrounds.
Finding a Place in Choir
For Madi and Ethan, joining choir was a decision influenced by both personal interest and encouragement from friends.
“I didn’t have time to join choir in my schedule freshman year, but I was in choir in middle school,” Madi said. “I rejoined my sophomore year, and I’ve always just kind of loved singing. I had a lot of friends in choir, so they encouraged me to join.”
Ethan’s path was similar. “I was in a morning choir called Stanton Street Singers my sophomore year, which gave me a taste of what choir would be like. But I didn’t have time in my schedule until this year. It was definitely a good decision to join—I’ve had a great time with it.”
A Close-Knit Community
One of the defining aspects of the Montague Choir is its sense of camaraderie. While friend groups naturally form, the choir as a whole remains inclusive.
“What makes our choir different is that, rather than separating into those groups all the time, we integrate and interact with each other really well,” Madi explained. “It’s kind of like a family.”
Ethan agreed, emphasizing how each section—soprano, alto, tenor, and bass—has its own dynamic. “I’m a bass and kind of the unofficial section leader. The way our sections interact feels different, in a good way. We have a bond that makes singing together special.”
No Experience Required
A common misconception is that students need prior singing experience to join. However, the Montague Choir welcomes everyone, regardless of skill level.
“We have a separate group called Stanton Street Singers, which is for auditioned singers with more experience,” Madi explained. “But for our main choir, all kinds of people join. A lot of them are just looking for a place to belong, and choir gives them that opportunity.”
Under the guidance of their choir director, students not only learn to sing but also develop a deeper understanding of music. “Our director doesn’t just focus on learning music for concerts and festivals,” Madi added. “He makes sure we get a well-rounded experience, teaching us how to read music, improve tonal memory, and blend our voices as a group.”
Performances and Traditions
The choir has three major concerts each year—Halloween, Christmas, and the Pops Concert.
“The Pops Concert is our spring show where we get to pick a theme,” Ethan said. “Last year, it was musical theater, so we sang songs from Les Misérables and The Greatest Showman.”
Beyond these concerts, the choir also participates in events like the Montague tree lighting and choir festivals, where they perform challenging choral music for judges.
Choir Favorites and Challenges
While the choir doesn’t have signature songs, certain pieces stand out as favorites.
“Last year, our Les Mis medley was a big hit. If anyone says a word from the lyrics, someone is going to start singing,” Madi joked. “For our Christmas concert this year, Mary Did You Know was a favorite—it was the fastest we’ve ever learned a song.”
Challenges exist, but they are minor. “Most of our issues are just personal differences between people, but they usually get sorted out quickly,” Ethan said. “The only other challenge is when Mr. Emelander picks a song we don’t like. But he always says, ‘You can do hard things,’ and we somehow make it work.”
Getting Involved and Looking Ahead
Community support is key to the choir’s success. Attending concerts, participating in fundraisers, and supporting choir students as they prepare for trips and festivals are great ways to help.
Every two years, the choir takes a trip, with past destinations including Toronto. The next trip is scheduled for next year, and excitement is already building.
As for future goals, Madi shared that the choir is working toward learning O Magnum Mysterium, a challenging piece. “Half the choir hates it, half loves it, but it’s a big goal for us.”
Why Join Choir?
For anyone considering joining choir, the message from Madi and Ethan is simple: just do it.
“You don’t have to be super confident—you can just be part of the community,” Madi encouraged. “If you’re not in sports or band, choir is a great place where everyone is welcome.”
Ethan added a personal call to action. “There are specific baseball and basketball players—I know you, and I know you have pipes. Join choir. If you like singing, we need you!”
The Montague Choir is more than a singing group—it’s a home for students looking to share their passion for music, connect with others, and grow both musically and personally. Whether you’re an experienced vocalist or just someone who loves to sing, there’s a place for you in the Montague Choir.
