Senior Reflection

By Sarah Dalton '11

I learned to read music at about the same time I learned to read and cannot remember a time when I was not singing, so it may come as a surprise to you that upon arriving at Cornell as a sophomore transfer student I did not intend to audition for the Chorus. Maybe it was backlash from the rigorous conservatory- style program that I was in as a freshman or my narrow-minded view of what women's choral music was but for whatever reason the Chrous wasn't at the top of my list. Fortunately for me, I tagged along with someone from my orientation group , and thought well why not audition instead of just waiting around for her to finish hers.  It was the best decision I could have made (oh and, in typical Chorus fashion that friend I tagged along with turned out to be one of my closest friends at Cornell). 

I am not exaggerating when I say that being in the Chorus has defined my Cornell experience. From my friends to my class schedule it has colored every experience (for the better!). The moment I sang as part of the group in the callback auditions I fell in love (again) with choral music, and the Chrous has kindled that love ever since. I learned so much being a part of this group, musically and generally. The chorus wouldn't be the same if it were not for the amazing women that make it up. My horizons have been broadened in ways I couldn't have imagined at the start of my Cornell career, because of the women of the Chorus. Singing in the Chorus has been an outlet, a challenge, and a gift and I am gratified to know that it has been these things for many of the other graduating seniors. 

Singing at this year's (my) graduation with this amazing  group was the icing on the cake; I cannot picture a better way to enter the next step in my life than with surrounded by beautiful music an the equally beautiful people who create it. We are all so lucky to have had this experience. I plan to remain an active part of this wonderful group for many years to come so that I may give back to it just a fraction of what it has given me. Thank you all for three memory-filled years, I look forward to many more.