Roaa Alkhawaja
Since before she could properly string sentences together, MC senior Melanie Athans has been manifesting her passion for music.
“I was the obnoxious little girl in elementary school who loved to sing and perform at all hours of the day-particularly when I wasn’t supposed to, many apologies to my kindergarten teacher during silent reading time,” Athans said. When choir was offered as an elective credit in fourth grade, I jumped at the opportunity.”
Not only does Athans have unmatched enthusiasm for music, but she also possesses incredible talent. Her skills and hard work led to her well-earned position as a student conductor for the MC choir.
“The MC choir director, Marti Martinez, is always eager to help her students grow and pursue their passions. In the first trimester of junior year, Marti asked me how I’d feel conducting one of the concert choir’s songs in the February concert. I excitedly said yes, and we worked things out in my schedule to become a TA for one of the concert choir periods,” Athans said.
This opportunity meant everything for Athans. Being a student conductor allowed her to teach others to express themselves through music, which in turn allowed them to develop their own passion for it.
“It’s a magical experience to work with a group of singers. Their eyes never leave you, and together—with your conducting, and their willingness to listen and create—you tell a story. I have started a trimester before staring into an abyss of glossed over eyes and minds elsewhere, and ended it with risers full of focused, passionate musicians,” Athans said.
Athans’s dedication alongside her unmatchable passion for music makes her an extraordinary force. It’s the sensation music allows us to feel that drives Athans’s passion for it.
“Music is so expansive—everybody has their feel-good, celebratory songs, and their break up songs to delve into a pint of Ben & Jerry’s with. We listen to songs and resonate with them. Choral music enhances that by creating that same feeling in real time,” Athans said.
Athans isn’t done yet. She wants to expand on her career by studying the art of music, and eventually teaching it to0.
“Next year, I will be pursuing a BM in Choral Music Education, and I cannot wait. I know there is so much for me to learn, and I am so excited to study alongside people who possess the same curiosity about music and its place in our world,” Athans said.
Melanie Athans hasn’t reached her full potential yet, she is a young prodigy that’s destined for a career of musical greatness.
