Key Change
Jameson Staley is Perry’s second Choir Director
Mr. Staley’s concert choir class listens to a lecture from him during 3rd hour on August 18th, 2015. Photo by: Lauren Haught
August 25, 2015
With founding choir director Joe Little’s retirement last year, change was bound to come. After nine years, Perry was left to find a well qualified teacher to fill the position. Little’s legacy will be continuing on with Jameson Staley taking on the role as the new head of the choir department.
The retirement of Little was a shock to many students and staff alike. However, when asked about the change in the department, principal Dan Serrano stated, “ I think we found the right person”.
Mr.Staley has embraced the opportunity to teach Perry’s eager singers in his first year as the head of the choir department.
Staley plans to alter the program, hoping to get the school more involved with Fine Arts, stating, “[By] Sharing our music with the school as a whole, taking opportunities through different activities and school lunches.” He wishes to showcase the voices of the choir students around campus.
Lily Brower has studied under both choir directors, Mr. Little and now Mr. Staley, and compares the classroom environment from last year to the current year. Brower describes the current classroom, “There’s a lot more music theory and it’s a lot more structured.”
Staley creates an environment where students are advancing their knowledge of music. Choir students will learn a variety of musical styles that will be incorporated into performances.
“We are going to do a mix of everything,” Staley confirms, “everything from traditional, classical, up to contemporary music.” Staley plans to showcase these styles in the first choir concert of the year, on September 21 at 7pm, as well as the Jazz choir performing a piece from the well-known movie, Pitch Perfect.
Mr. Staley has brought a new energy to the choir department, showcasing the ensembles and revitalizing the program. “I am really excited to be here and grateful for all of the talent and support that the fine arts program has.” Staley praised.
With the combination of Perry’s talented students and the new choir director, there is plenty to look forward to in the Fine Arts department for this coming year.