Throughout the school year, Cloverleaf High School choir students took time to reflect on their experiences in rehearsals and performances. Using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) framework, students shared thoughtful insights about what helped them grow, what challenges they faced, and how they hope to improve moving forward.

Their honest reflections offer a meaningful look into the heart of our choir program—where music, teamwork, and personal development go hand in hand. What follows is a summary of their voices and visions for the future.

Super Strengths! October vs. December

October emphasized energy, preparation, and connection through both vocal and choreographic performance. There was strong pride in learning and memorization, with many specific examples of positive feedback and clear growth since previous years.

December reflected more internal confidence, technical awareness (like vowels and part-holding), and refined skills. The tone was slightly more introspective, with many students recognizing their improved consistency and contribution within sections.

Top Repeated Weaknesses – October vs. December

🔊 Vocal Issues

• October: Cracking on high notes, singing too quietly, trouble with pitch, and weak breath support.
• December: Struggles with high and low notes, soft volume, and breath control (especially while sick or tired).

🧠 Focus & Memory

• October: Zoning out, forgetting lyrics or parts, losing place during choreography or when hearing other sections.
• December: Losing focus mid-performance, forgetting lyrics or choreography, especially in songs with similar verses or foreign text.

🎭 Confidence & Nerves

• October: Stage fright, nervous fidgeting, lack of confidence during solos or hard parts.
• December: Ongoing nerves, especially during dance numbers or unfamiliar songs; several mentioned low confidence affecting performance.

🎼 Choreography & Synchronization

• October: Clapping and movement not in sync (especially in Stronger Together).
• December: Struggles with timing and matching dance moves (especially in Hot Chocolate and Jingle Bell Rock).

Top Student-Identified Opportunities

In October, students overwhelmingly saw opportunities to improve their breath support, vocal range (especially higher pitches), and stage presence, noting a desire to smile more, use expressive movement, and appear more confident. Many also expressed interest in practicing more outside of class, exploring new music genres, and working one-on-one with their teacher or a vocal coach. They recognized the value of seeking feedback, singing with more energy, and using the full class period to grow. By December, students built on these ideas by identifying more specific goals: improving memorization, dynamics, and timing with choreography, as well as using advisory time and performance run-throughs more strategically. They also mentioned wanting to experiment with different song styles (like pop or faster pieces), and improve their expression through facial and body movement to enhance the overall concert experience.

Top Threats to Choir Growth and Performance

🎭 Burnout & Overcommitment

• Many students are involved in multiple activities (e.g., sports, drama, 4-H, work, AP classes), leading to exhaustion and limited time for choir.
  • “I am heavily at risk of burnout or overextending myself with commitments.”
  • “Between CCP, AP, Band, Choir, Drama Club… I’m on the verge of stretching myself too thin.”

🧠 Confidence, Comparison & Anxiety

• Self-doubt, comparison with others, and performance anxiety significantly affect participation and vocal quality.
  • “I compare myself to better singers and feel like I suck.”
  • “I don’t want to be loud because I don’t think I sound good.”
  • “I sing quieter if the people around me aren’t singing, even if I know the part.”

💡 Health, Illness & Physical Barriers

• Chronic illness, seasonal allergies, vocal strain, and even issues like posture and dizziness pose major threats.
  • “Constant sickness affects my ability to sing for long periods.”
  • “My chronic acid reflux negatively affects my singing.”
  • “The lights blinded me, and I almost fell off the stage.”

⏱️ Time Constraints & Lack of Practice

• Lack of time outside class to learn lyrics, rehearse dance, or rest voices hinders progress.
  • “I don’t have a lot of time at home to work on choir.”
  • “I didn’t fully learn the lyrics to some songs.”

🗣️ Vocal Technique Issues

• Students mention specific habits that could negatively impact vocal development.
  • “I have a bad habit of yelling a lot which could strain my voice.”
  • “I breathe at the wrong time and forget to open my mouth wide.”

🎶 Musical Preparedness & Memorization

• Struggles with pitch, blending, rhythm, and memorizing parts were common.
  • “People mess up pitches, especially in the boys-only song.”
  • “One of my threats is not knowing the lyrics.”

🕺 Choreography Challenges

• Some feel unprepared or overwhelmed by the choreography, especially when rushed.
  • “We were all kind of rushed for the dancing and it stressed some kids out.”
  • “I have the coordination of a concussed koala.”

👀 Stage Presence & Habits

• Movement, posture, and facial expressions off-stage impact audience perception.
  • “I looked like I didn’t care because of my posture and facial expression offstage.”
  • “I move too much when I’m not supposed to.”

🔊 Group Dynamics & Support

• Some noted that lack of motivation, group cohesion, or mutual encouragement could threaten performance quality.
  • “We sing the melody instead of harmonies too often.”
  • “Judging others’ abilities instead of working as one unit is a threat.”

🎓 Conclusion: Moving Forward Together with Confidence

As we reflect on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats shared throughout the choir season, one thing is clear: this is a group full of heart, talent, and potential. You’ve shown honesty in acknowledging areas for growth, insight in identifying ways to improve, and passion for the music and the community you’ve built.

High school can be overwhelming—with academics, activities, and expectations—but your voices matter. Your willingness to show up, speak up, and sing out is powerful. Even when confidence wavers, schedules get chaotic, or nerves kick in, remember: growth happens through the process. Every rehearsal, every concert, every small win adds up.

Don’t be afraid to sing louder. To mess up. To try. Choir isn’t just about notes and choreography—it’s about supporting one another, being brave enough to be seen and heard, and finding joy in the music you make together.

So keep lifting each other up. Practice when you can. Take care of yourselves. And most of all—don’t stop believing in your ability to grow not just as performers, but as people.

You are stronger together—and the best is still ahead. 🎶💛