Waynedale senior performs at esteemed choral event

Juliana McCune, a senior at Waynedale, recently had the honor of participating in the Midwest American Choral Directors Association Honor Choirs Feb. 25-28 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Active in various bands and choirs at Waynedale, McCune can sing soprano, alto and tenor and plays many instruments including drums and guitar. She also has written and performed some of her own songs at Waynedale's choir concerts and hopes to pursue music to become an artist.

“I plan to go to a college to gain more knowledge and strengthen my music talent,” McCune said.

Daniel Mylott, Waynedale's choir director, saw her musical talents and encouraged her to try out for the honor choir. To audition, she sang part of a piece she had done with her choir and part of a piece the association had chosen. When she was accepted, she had to practice six songs and have them memorized: “For We Are Timeless,” “Ave Regina Cealorum,” “By Night,” “They May Tell You,” “Singkap Saiga” and “Still I Rise.”

This year the MWACDA Honor Choirs theme was "Reflections of Us," which invited people to explore how choral music captures collective voices — past, present and future — honoring diverse traditions, shared experiences and the ever-evolving tapestry of art.

“The biennial conference is one of the most prestigious choral gatherings in the United States, bringing together top choral professionals, educators and musicians, primarily from the Midwestern region but also drawing attendees from across the country," according to the association's website. "It is a momentous occasion to celebrate choral artistry, exchange ideas, and inspire the next generation of musicians and leaders in the field."

McCune sang second alto in the SSAA choir, made up of 200 participants under the direction of Dr. Kelly Miller, coordinator of music education at the University of Central Florida, where she conducts the women’s choir. They practiced together for several days, then performed in the Pabst Theater in downtown Milwaukee.

“I loved how different it was compared to the choirs I've been in," McCune said. "The strength of our voices when we first started was absolutely astonishing. I loved how our director worked with us so well and kept us on track during the endless hours of practicing. The choir felt like a family despite the fact that most of us didn't know anyone there. Everyone was respectful and were all lovely company. I was quite sad to leave. It felt like a safe place where no one would judge but welcome instead."

Lyyra, a female vocal sextet that does classical, jazz, folk, pop and crossover, performed, and McCune had the opportunity to hear them and talk with them.

“Never before have I ever heard such beautiful voices," McCune said. "They were so in sync that you couldn't tell who was singing which part most of the time. A great part of this trip was getting to work with talented people and learning from experienced and wise people. Getting to watch professionals sing and being able to feel their passion for music, watching their facial expressions, you can not only hear the emotion, but see it."

Mylott said McCune is extremely creative, compassionate and hardworking.

“She is constantly looking out for people around her and trying to do what is best for the group," he said. "She has a beautiful voice and works to constantly improve. Juliana is an amazing student with such a bright future.”

Mylott also thanked Waynedale High School Principal Rich Roth for always supporting the students in their artistic achievements.

McCune appreciated Mylott's help along the way.

“I'm grateful that he pushed me to do many things, choir, music, things that made me step out of my comfort zone and be brave," she said. "I fully believe I would have never done choir, never would have pushed myself to write my songs, I wouldn't have even auditioned for this if he hadn't been there to support me.”