Chasing Victory in Every Note: Leonia High School WSPA Competition
Each year for all high school musicians, whether they play an instrument or are a part of chorus, one event stands out each year: The World Strides Performing Arts Competition. Students in Leonia High School that are a part of any music classes or after school music activities have the option to attend this competition. This event happens every year in either March or April and location also varies. This year the students went to Williamsburg, Virginia. This tradition gives the students the chance to perform in front of judges as well as other skills, allowing them to showcase their effort and skill they developed throughout the year. However, this event is about more than just performing and winning awards; it is a way for students to create bonds over their shared love of music and the common goal to succeed and do their absolute best.
From rehearsing for hours after school to performing at their biggest competition, every moment is filled with emotions ranging from excitement to nerves but overall a sense of pride. Students support one another throughout the entire trip celebrating group accomplishments as well as solo ones creating memories that extend beyond the stage. Ultimately, the music trip becomes a defining experience that reflects both the dedication of the performers from the start of the school years to the end and the strong sense of community within the program.
High School senior, Kennedy Meals who is Co-President of the Vox Angelica Choir was asked about what preparing for this competition was like. “ Preparing for the competition is usually very fun but also a bit exhausting. We’re working 2-3 times a week after school from 6:30-8:30. It’s nice to have something that you’re working towards with your friends, but often the choir presidents put a lot of stress on the other singers to perform well. I’m guilty of this at times, but it comes from a place of wanting to succeed in such a prestigious competition and wanting the whole group to do well and have their performance reflect their hard work.” she said.
She was later asked about the advice she would give to those who may be participating in this competition next year if she had the chance. “I would recommend that they shouldn’t stress themselves out too much. It’s a time of high anxiety and the more you overthink, the worse you’ll perform. Remember that this is just one moment in your life and having fun is key. If you’ve practiced, you will do well and these awards don’t dictate your worth, talent, or success as a musician.” she said.
Competitions, whether it is for a sport, academics, or music can often become incredibly stressful and overwhelming, but within all of the chaos that may come from it, you also have a support system to guide you and support you through it all. When you are working with a team you are all striving for the same goal so it is crucial that you remember you are not in this alone and like Kennedy stated, “Remember that this is just one moment in your life and having fun is key.”
Orchestra and Strings teacher, Mr. Holak was asked about the process for picking the music the students perform and the factors that go into it. “It has a lot to do with what we think the students can do and what we think the students can learn from the music. If we only do pieces that they already know they are going to be bored and they get nothing out of it. If we do something that is so far beyond their abilities they are not gonna have a successful performance so it’s about finding that balance.” he said.
Making sure to pick the right music can be a very intricate process and involves a lot of thought when it comes to not only what will sound right but what is going to fit the students best in order for them to succeed. Music varies in countless different ways and is able to connect people in many ways so finding those perfect pieces is incredibly important.
In a follow up, Mr. Holak was asked how he goes about supporting students who are nervous or are struggling with pressure. “Nerves are always gonna be a part of it. I have been doing this for 18 years and I can still get nervous sometimes. You just try to remind them that they have been preparing for a very long time, things might go wrong, plan a is always that it goes perfectly and b is stay present and try to fix it.” he said.
This yearly music trip holds an immense amount of value to all the students who participate as well as the teachers. It is a time to perform what you have spent months working on and show judges what you are capable of. It requires passion and dedication and although nerves may come, the support system is even greater than any amount of fear.
