I recently had the privilege of attending the All District Chorus Festival, hosted by the Conejo Schools Foundation as part of their 21st Annual All District Music Festival. This beautifully orchestrated event brought together choirs from elementary, middle, and high schools in a harmonious celebration of student talent and community spirit. One of the highlights was hearing the combined choirs perform songs like The Star-Spangled Banner, Scales and Arpeggios, I Wan’na Be Like You, and a delightful surprise—a newly written third verse of It’s a Small World by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.
The orchestra, skillfully conducted by Richard Allen, showcased not only the technical finesse of these young musicians but also featured three gifted soloists. One of those soloists was my own daughter, a second grader, who had the unforgettable experience of singing alongside accomplished vocalists from the middle and high school choirs. To witness her confidence blossom in real time was a moment I won’t forget—and it underscored something I’ve come to see time and again in my work with students.
This brings me to the deeper message of this blog post: music plays a far more powerful role in shaping a student’s college admissions journey than many people realize.
Over the years, I’ve watched how music builds confidence, self-awareness, and emotional maturity—traits that don’t just make a student a better musician, but a more compelling college applicant. One of my senior students, graduating from Ventura High School this year, was recently admitted to the prestigious Berklee College of Music to study her dream major: Music Production. Her goal is to one day perform in a professional symphony orchestra, and she is well on her way.
But what truly stands out about her is not just her musical talent. It’s how music has helped shape her into a well-rounded, empathetic, and motivated young woman. She’s excelled in challenging coursework, served as a steady presence for her autistic brother at home, and developed leadership through years of ensemble performance and section coordination. Her journey through music didn’t just teach her notes and rhythm—it taught her how to collaborate, persevere, and inspire.
Colleges are not simply looking for students who can ace tests or write compelling essays. They’re searching for people—individuals who embody qualities such as interpersonal skills, self-discipline, resilience, adaptability, and motivation. Music, particularly in ensemble settings like choir, band, or orchestra, is a training ground for all of these. Learning to master an instrument or blend harmoniously with others takes patience, attention to detail, and a deep sense of personal responsibility.
Talent comes in many forms, but music allows students to express their dedication and passion in a way that is deeply human. It’s this kind of expressive, character-driven storytelling that can elevate a college application and give admissions officers a glimpse of the kind of changemaker that student will be on campus.
I’ve grown in my appreciation for the educators and mentors who keep students engaged in music—who plant the creative seed and nurture it into something powerful. Their efforts don’t just fill auditoriums with beautiful sound; they build confidence, identity, and purpose in students who may one day use those skills to lead, inspire, and innovate.
So to all the choir directors and music educators—thank you. Your work might not always be recognized in the moment, but it is seen. You are shaping futures and giving students a voice—literally and figuratively—that will carry them forward in ways far beyond the stage.
Special thanks to Mr. Frank LaGuardia, Amy Rolniak, Karine Szakos, Garrett Cypher, Shauna Babbitt, and Richard Allen for sharing your gifts with the next generation of artists and leaders. The impact you have goes far beyond the music room.
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