Greetings XCI #2 - Wayland Academy

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wayland academy greetings
The Choir
By Johanna Sckaer `10
The Wayland Choir, led by Mr.
Mientus, now has 57 members — up
from 22 members as of last year. It is
easily one of the most popular classes
at Wayland Academy.
Moreover, the Choir often is one of the
most visible signs of Wayland’s artistic
accomplishments abroad. For example,
on April 16, the choir took part in the
Wisconsin School Music Association
Large Group Festival at Lakeland
College, where they won a gold medal
for Exemplary Performance.
On campus, the choir is notable in a
number of ways. The most prominent
offshoot of the program would
certainly have to be the a capella
group, “Almost Famous.” In
commenting on the growth of the
choir, Mr. Mientus said, “It’s huge
progress.”
In fact, the progress in numbers is so
good that Mientus has stated that the
growth cannot go much further. The
choir loft can only hold so many. The
Choir Guru said, “Our maximum is 58
kids.” Math Note: 58 students is about
25% of the entire student body!
Though there may be a need to slow
the growth in numbers, this has not
stopped Mientus from imagining an
expansion in the types of
performances. Mientus mentioned that
he probably will add a show choir
which requires more singing and
dancing skills.
As far as the main choir is concerned,
Mientus added, “I may do some college
pieces, [and] I will try to do more
competitions and trips next year.”
In a final thought on the nature of this
art form at the Academy, Mientus said,
“I also think retention is very
important for a choir. And I don’t like
people changing too much every year.
If kids joined in their freshman year, I
think they should like it, and they will
sing for four years. So we can keep
most of the same people every year. I
will try to make it fun, but at the same
time we are learning stuff as well.”