By Chris Dietrich
VYPE: What initially drew you to choir and has kept you involved for the past six years?
Kitana Kelly: I’ve always loved singing. I feel like I’ve been singing since I can remember,
honestly.
VYPE: How have you grown as a musician and performer since you first joined?
KK: I would say I’ve improved at controlling my voice and vocal range.
VYPE: Can you describe a performance or moment in choir that was particularly meaningful to you?
KK: Every year during our spring concert, we sing a very special song for our seniors to send them off. The song is called “My One True Friend” by Bette Midler. It’s a super sweet song, and it’s always meant a lot to me and a lot of my classmates.
VYPE: How has being part of a choir shaped your high school experience?
KK: I’m more involved with the school. I’ve participated in the annual musical for the past two
years. Honestly, if I wasn’t in choir, I probably would’ve never done them.
VYPE: What challenges have you faced in choir, and how have you overcome them?
KK: My confidence. At first, I wasn’t sure of myself. I wouldn’t try out for solos, but through the years I’ve definitely stepped up more and I’m better with my confidence. It’s all about trying and learning your flow.
VYPE: Choir requires a lot of teamwork, how has working with others in an ensemble impacted you?
KK: It’s helped me with how to blend better with other people. For example, I’ve learned how loud I need to sing or how quiet I need to sing because I never want to overshadow people.
VYPE: Have any teachers, directors, or fellow choir members influenced you along the way?
KK: My choir teacher Ms. Anne Dawson is a big influence. She’s helped me with my voice and
my confidence in singing since I’ve been her student.
VYPE: What song or performance really stands out to you, and why?
KK: During my freshman year, I did my very first duo performance. It was a duet with another choir member, and it was the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” during our spring concert. I want to say that’s when I got a confidence boost on my voice and how I sing now.
VYPE: Balancing choir with other commitments can be tough—how did you manage your time, especially while being a wrestling manager?
KK: There was a lot of running around. I’d have to leave wrestling practices early just to get to the choir room to get ready. Luckily for me, most of my choir things didn’t interfere with my wrestling schedule.
VYPE: Looking back, what advice would you give someone just starting their choir journey?
KK: It’s okay to be scared, and it’s also okay you mess up. If you mess up, someone will be
there to pick you up and help you with those mistakes. Everyone misses a note or two.
VYPE: What will you miss most about choir after high school, and do you see yourself continuing with music in the future? KK: The people for sure. Everyone in choir has helped me so much and I can never express how much I’ve loved singing with them. I can definitely see myself continuing with music in the future whether it be in choir or not.
