The PRHS Chorus program is led by Dakota Drake who has worked for several years at Porter Ridge High School as the Chorus teacher. The class focuses on building confidence with the opportunity to work alongside other students while learning and performing songs.

The Chorus classes are always working on new songs and preparing for upcoming performances. They recently performed three new songs on October 13, 2022 at the Fall Chorus Concert.

When asked about the class, students responded: "My favorite thing about Chorus is the community. Other classes don't have the community that we have; it's kind of like a happy family," senior K’Lique Parker stated. "Being in Chorus you get so much confidence. Freshman year I would have been a nervous freak trying out for a solo, but now I want to try out for solos. We all feel comfortable singing in front of one another; I never even sing in front of my family,” senior Natalie Gilbert also stated.

Drake gave insight into the class. “I love the group camaraderie, the main aspect of  everyone working together to be part of something bigger than themselves. It does give some of those kids that aren't super math smart, super English smart, or science smart a chance. It gives those kids that are in chorus a home that they can belong to. If they aren't in band this is another good musical outlet that they can have.” 

Future events like MPA, where the program’s performance is rated, and All County, where schools in the county compete against one another, are eagerly anticipated by the students. “I'm looking forward to my last MPA. Every year it’s always a fun experience singing in a different setting and hanging out with my friends,” senior Alayna Stamper stated.

The Winter and Spring concerts will be coming up later this school year and are free of charge for anyone who’d like to attend. Students interested in signing up for the Chorus class should speak to their counselor to find out about opportunities 2nd semester!

Written by K'Mari Parker-12th grade student