With many months of preparation and late after school practices, Ayala’s vocal ensemble gets on stage as they prepare to perform their show. A great setlist and an incredible amount of emotion poured into each song, the choir can only feel excitement and fear as the competition continues. After all the groups have performed, Daphne Master (12) stands beside her fellow choir members as they wait in anticipation of what they have scored. 

Daphne Master is a current senior at Ayala High school who is currently one of the student directors for Ayala’s Vocal and Women’s Choir Ensemble. After auditioning in her freshman year and seeing her older sister love the choir community, Master has continued to express her musical talent through singing alongside the friends she has made over the past four years.

“I auditioned for this group for Ayala in 2019, but I’ve also been just super involved in music throughout my whole life because my mom put me in a bunch of different music programs.” Master said.

Daphne recalls the memories of her choir experience and the community she has grown close with. She especially points out the pieces that the choir director, Mr. Robert Davis, chooses as they are all unique and flow together to form a storyline that further engages the audience. Master also looks back on her first Madrigal Feaste and the first choir concert following the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Our first concert after Covid was candlelight and it was such a surreal experience going from having to sing online to getting to sing in person,” said Master.

Despite the fact that she has been performing for years, Daphne still faces the struggle of nerves right before any solo or competition. Nevertheless, her role within the choir and the accomplishments she has achieved along the way has influenced those around her. 

“Since she has gotten leadership positions, seeing her lead in choir definitely influenced me to be a better leader,” said Elaina Master (10), Daphne’s younger sister and BAC Cymbal’s Section Leader.

Choir president and childhood best friend of Daphne, Lindsey Viabelle also speaks out about their friendship throughout the years and what she sees as Daphne continues to grow. 

“She’s the type of person that will work so hard to the point where it’s killing her, but she’ll do so well in everything that she does.” Viabelle said. 

Mr. Davis also includes how Daphne’s older sister, choir alumni Camryn Master, has influenced Daphne’s choir involvement and the personal growth she has made since. 

“I remember as a freshman she was so self-conscious and was scared to take risks,” said Mr. Davis. “Now she has blossomed into not just someone willing to take risks, but really an amazing leader and willing to help others.” 

As the judges reveal the scores the announcement of awards get slimmer and slimmer, the vocal ensemble are blown away as they are awarded the highest score of a double superior and an almost perfect score for sight reading. Daphne leaves the competition feeling the greatest sense of adrenaline and accomplishment as they prepare to head back home. 

“I think [music] was an outlet for me, especially to grow not only as a musician, but as a person,” said Master. “Growing up with the music and then knowing other people who had the same interest as me helped me grow and bond with [choir friends] as well.”