After joining the choir just to get an art credit, John Duggan (12) participates in singing as a huge part of his high school experience. From joining a new community to traveling to perform, Duggan has gained new experiences within his three years in choir.

During his sophomore year, his friend David Aganon (12) recommended that he join choir. Just from joining choir to gain an art credit, he’s been in choir ever since. 

“I have always been interested in music, so this felt up my alley. I enjoy cooperating with friends and making new ones along the way,” Duggan said. “It’s given me experiences I’ve never thought I would have before, like traveling and competing with and against other schools. I think we put together a very special group, and I’m very grateful for the times I’ve had with them.”

He appreciated the opportunity to get to know new people and travel. The California trip for choir was a memorable experience for Duggan. With all the fun activities, the choir group performed at the Crystal Cathedral.

“The California trip was phenomenal. We traveled all over Disneyland and went to Universal as well. I got to hang out with my friends and got to go on different rides and just enjoy my time there. It was really fun, I tried a bunch of food, it was great. And then at the Cathedral, it was just a breathtaking experience of how gorgeous it was. And getting to work with so many different talents and directors. Especially we worked with one of the directors on one of their pieces that they were writing. So I think it was really cool just getting to work with them in real time with their piece, so I thought it was pretty cool,” Duggan said.

From his experience, Duggan has made many memories and gained musical skills. Outside of school, Duggan produces music in his free time. From short clips to a full album, Duggan uses his experience from school to his outside activities.

“I’ve learned a lot more music skills, because I like to produce my own music sometimes. And I think it gives me new ideas, new melodies and chords. That helps me build my music skills along with sight reading and rhythmic tests,” Duggan said.

Even though Duggan originally joined the choir to fulfill his art credit requirement, he found so much more. He had no idea what fun experiences he was going to have along the way. He was able to join a new community and travel to perform for many different audiences, even as far as California. Producing music in his free time, Duggan uses the skills he gained from school to perfect his talent.