The Musical Melodies of Cordova High School

2024-11-26

In the bustling halls of Cordova High School, one might typically anticipate the sounds of student chatter and goofing around during the final hour of classes. However, something extraordinary pierces through the din. Right at the front entrance, the enchanting musical notes from the Cordova High School choir classroom gracefully make their way throughout the school.

Unleashing Talent in the Choir Classroom

Classroom Talent: A Symphony of Excellence

From the delicate notes of "Ave Maria" to the powerful chants of "The Battle of Jericho", the students in Adrian Maclin's Concert Singers class are a testament to true talent. They have amassed an impressive number of competition wins, to the point where the classroom is running out of space to display their awards. These students pour their hearts and souls into their music, creating a harmonious symphony that echoes through the school.

Throughout the week, the Concert Singers class comes together to practice and learn from Maclin. He emphasizes the importance of focus in his class while also excelling in other courses. In the beginning of the year, Maclin meets with parents and students to set clear expectations for their academic journey.

Maclin's message to parents is straightforward: He expects their child to excel in all aspects of life, not just with the Concert Singers. Anything less than that is a failure on his part. He wants students to be well-rounded individuals, capable of achieving greatness in both music and academics.

No 'Singing Dummies' Allowed: The Importance of Academics

Sitting in the seats of the concert singers class are the high school's valedictorian, salutatorian, and third in the seniors graduating class. These students have achieved remarkable academic success while also being musically gifted. They understand that grades matter and that they must strive for excellence in all areas.

Maclin firmly believes in this principle. He refuses to parade around "singing dummies" who may be talented performers but lack academic skills. He emphasizes that being a good human goes beyond just being a great singer. Students need to be able to read, add, subtract, and understand the world around them. If they are not achieving in their academics, he feels guilty and takes it upon himself to ensure their success.

He tells the kids that their academics are of the utmost importance and that they must work hard to balance their musical pursuits with their studies. Only then can they truly reach their full potential.

Grammy Nominee: Maclin's Musical Legacy

Maclin is not only an instructor of award-winning singers but also an awardee in his own right. This year, he was named a finalist for the 2025 Grammy Music Educator of the Year award. Out of an initial application pool of around 2,400, he made it to the top 25 semi-finalists.

When asked about this honor, Maclin doesn't focus solely on himself. He credits his students for their hard work and dedication that got him to this point. He also emphasizes the unique culture he has created in the classroom, where students are like a choir family.

He believes that the environment he has cultivated, with a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among the students, has played a crucial role in their success. The hierarchy of leadership, with students respecting their peers as leaders, and the energy he brings to the classroom, where they are held accountable and become more than just music learners, have all contributed to their growth.

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