An illustration is shown of a hand reaching out to distant figures representing the graduation of seniors, not wanting to watch them leave. Sports staffer Cadence Schapker reflected upon this feeling within the Georgia Children’s Chorus. Story and art by Cadence Schapker
Sports staffer Cadence Schapker reflects on her time with the Georgia Children’s Chorus, her time growing up in the program, and the soon-to-be-absence of the departing seniors.
It’s a Tuesday evening, I’m tired and cranky but as I step into the Georgia Children’s Chorus (GCC) rehearsal room, I remember why I chose to be there: I love it. From the music and atmosphere to the people.
I love it all.
I’ve sung with GCC for seven years now, and I can still remember being a wide-eyed fourth-grader with no knowledge of music aside from pretty sounds and singing along to the car radio. That’s where the older girls stepped in, the veterans. The now-seniors, then sophomores, guided me throughout my musical career at times when I had no idea what was going on.
They always seemed to know what they were doing, confident in what they did or said.
When I lost track of which measure we were at or came across terminology I didn’t know, I wouldn’t have to worry because there was always a veteran to help me out. They always seemed to know what they were doing, confident in what they did or said.
Over seven years, always can start to feel a little too comfortable. The thought that those girls, the veterans I looked up to and learned from, would ever leave had barely crossed my mind, but before I knew it – boom.
Suddenly, I’m now a sophomore. Those girls I looked up to? They’re graduating and preparing to start their own adult lives, but I don’t know if I’m ready for them to be gone.
They seemed so knowledgeable, reliable, and confident when I was younger but I don’t feel like any of those things. How am I already expected to be a role model for the little ones, when I don’t feel prepared?
How am I already expected to be a role model for the little ones, when I don’t feel prepared?
When the seniors walk across the Hugh Hodgson stage at UGA for the last time, I’ll be reminded of how I’m just one year closer to taking my last walk, too.
Until then, I’ll do my best to carry on the mentorship those older girls have given me, in hopes that another young wide-eyed fourth-grader is there to pass down that guidance to the next generation of GCC.
