Singing is a love for two Scripps Middle School eighth graders, as well as being something they excel at.
Miranda Todero, an alto, and Kate Kildahl, a soprano, have been selected to perform as members of the Michigan MSVMA State Honors Choir, an honor that has not occurred for any Lake Orion middle school student in the last 10 years.
Singing together as an alto-soprano pair, they progressed to the state choir after volunteering and being chosen by their teacher as representatives to the regional choir, and then auditioning for the state choir.
‘We had to practice a song called ‘Sing for Joy,?? Todero said.
The girls practiced in choir class, during STAR class and at home. Besides solo practices and working together, they have are also having to attend multiple rehearsals with the whole choir.
‘I’m really happy for it,? Kildahl said, ‘but it is a big commitment to be able to go to rehearsals.?
The pair attended a rehearsal this past Saturday, something they both had to make sacrifices for. Todero had to postpone her own 13th birthday party and Kildahl had to cancel going on a trip to Spring Hill with a group from her church, Kensington.
‘Ultimately, in the end, it will definitely be worth it,? said Kildahl.
For both girls, they are looking forward to hearing all the different types of voices sing together, as well as singing with more male voices.
‘It’s so cool to hear other people’s voices,? Todero said. ‘I just love hearing all the different ones. That’s a big thing for me and it helps me grow and learn to be a better singer.?
‘I have a very big passion for singing. It’s all I do everyday,? she added, noting that her experiences have inspired her to want to be a middle school music teacher when she’s older.
Todero has been singing since a young age in choirs and is also the singer in a band at her church, Clarkston Community Church. She has much experience doing solos.
Kildahl, on the other hand, said that this is her first time trying out for anything solo.
‘You never know how much time you are going to have to pursue your dreams,? she said, adding that is what motivated her into volunteering. ‘It’s good to have Miranda as a partner because of her experience.?
Both girls credit their families, as well as choir teacher Cheryl Bongiorno.
‘We owe so much to Mrs. Bongiorno,? Kildahl said, noting that she is grateful for everyone’s support and for the honor of representing Lake Orion.
‘It makes me feel like I have done something,? Todero added.
And while the girls credit Mrs. Bongiorno for her support, she feels that it’s really their effort that has made them successful.
‘Kate and Miranda are very focused and self-motivated to be the best they can be,? Bongiorno said. ‘They are willing to go the extra mile and put in the extra effort to make their singing great.?
The girls will perform at part of the Michigan MSVMA State Honors Choir on Saturday, Jan. 26, as part of a workshop for music educators.
The Scripps Cadet Band will also be performing at the workshop, the only middle school band selected to perform as part of a five band performance.