The Rancho Cucamonga High School Choir Department spent the 2025-2026 school year putting on a plethora of concerts showcasing their different ensembles and styles of singing.
The RCHS choir has many different performing groups, including Chambers, Bella Voce, and Cougar Chorus. Led by Dr. Joel Wilson, the students put on a total of five performances on campus throughout the year, with their last event being held on Tuesday, May 12.
The students in choir also get the chance to perform at festivals to showcase their effort and talent. One of their performances occurred the first weekend of spring break at Disneyland.
Wilson said that the choir program has grown from previous years and that he has enjoyed the process.
“I would sum up our year as a success,” Wilson said. “We’ve grown, we added a new choir this year. We added a new concert this year too. We’ve grown a lot just since last year and we’re looking forward to next year and hopefully adding even more.”
Choir isn’t just about singing and performing; students also learn life skills. Like most classes on campus, the course is meant to prepare students for the adult world.
When reflecting on her year, senior Khloe Wales said that she enjoyed this year’s choir experience and that it is thanks to Wilson. He had taught her things she’d never done in choir before and learned a lot from this experience.
“My favorite event was our Motown concert at the beginning of the year because we were dancing and singing at the same time,” Wales said. “I’d never done that in choir before. I really didn’t know what to expect, and I just think that it all came together so well. I saw people in the audience having fun and dancing along, and it brought me so much joy.”
Wales also said that she learned about procrastination from her time in choir. Performing arts are much different than the typical AP classes; it’s not possible to wait until the last minute to be “perfect” at your music or role. Wales said that a performer needs consistency to be good at what one does in choir or any skill.
The choir program, according to Wilson, can hold a home for anyone willing to join and express their creative side. He said that choir can aid in the development of a student’s artistic side and that it teaches the concepts of family and community.
“[Choir] teaches a lot of life skills,” Wilson said. “It’s a great outlet for expression where you can be artistic and that your artistic side can grow. You build community and have a family and you get to do fun things like go to Disneyland to sing as festivals. You get to perform and you get to learn about different cultures and languages, people and time periods. There’s a place for anybody. No singing at all? We have a choir and a place for them. Lots of experience? There’s a place for them.”
