At Tupelo High School, you can see colorful costumes walking down the hallway and hear the melodic sounds of talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. The Madrigal choir has captivated audiences with their soul-stirring renditions of Renaissance classic and contemporary songs.
“I absolutely love it. I didn’t think I would ever teach high school because I was an elementary school teacher. But now that I’m here, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” Madrigals Director Arielle Ray said.
Ray, a former elementary school teacher, expressed her love for her new role as a high school choir director, stating that she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
“I would rather have a hard worker than someone who is super advanced and thinks that they’re bigger than the team, even if you are a beginning musician. Choir is a place for all talent levels, no matter what. So if you’re putting in the work, that’s all I want,”. Arielle Ray values hard work and dedication over natural talent in the choir, emphasizing inclusivity and respect for the value of effort in a team setting.
‘When you join this class you don’t just become another student who sings, you become a part of a family that grows, learns, and influences lives together.” -Alyssa Arnold and Claudia Blaylock. This class is more than just a place to learn music. It’s a community where you can grow as a person and make lifelong friends.
“Everyone who loves to work hard with each other will be able to bring great music to others.” -Alaina Laman. Wonderful music typically emerges from a combination of dedicated effort and the collective creativity of talented individuals working together.
“Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music. – Gerald Ford ” Arielle Ray encourages her students by using a quote in her classroom. She incorporates this quote into her lessons and interactions, helping to inspire and engage her students.
