Choir has been a big part of Noemi Figueroa-Salinas’ life. Ever since joining choir in middle school, she has continued her musical journey to high school. And now, as a senior, she recounts the impact that choir and music has had on her growing life.
Figueroa-Salinas has been a part of the Rock Island High School choirs for four years, this year being her fourth. And in those four years, she has accomplished great feats with her musical talents. One of her biggest accomplishments as a singer is being a 3-time All-Stater, which by no means is an easy achievement. “I’m honestly super grateful and honored to be able to be at All-State my last year. I will miss the experience and never forget about it,” says Figueroa-Salinas.
Figueroa-Salinas gets emotional thinking about the past years because she has created so many memories with her choir classmates, who have become her close friends. The choir that she got selected to be in during her junior year, and as well is currently in right now is the Chamber Singers. The Chamber Singers is the smallest choir of all three at Rocky. Due to the smaller number of members, it is easier for the Chamber Singers to be able to build close knit familiar bonds. Of her members, Figueroa-Salinas says, “My classmates are so hardworking and very determined when it comes to learning our songs, especially during the Christmas season. I don’t only feel happy when I sing with my classmates, but also when I’m just around them. I feel like I can be myself when we’re together. I love them so much and I’m so grateful to be able to sing with them.” Figueroa-Salinas shares a heartfelt message about her members. And in return, Eh Eh Poe, a fellow classmate says, “I’m so proud of how far Noemi has come as a singer. Noemi and I have been in the same choirs each of our four years at Rocky. We started off in Concert Choir our Freshman year, and then we moved onto our Sophomore year, and we got into the Chamber Singers our Junior year, and as Seniors are still a part of it. So now as seniors, I definitely feel like we have a sentimental bond when looking back through our journey in choir. And through it all, I’m so glad that I was able to find a friendship with Noemi, honestly it’s more than that. In the Chamber Singers, we think of our group as a family, and without a doubt, that is true. So, ultimately I want to tell Noemi how proud I am to see her grow as a singer and as a person, and how happy I am to have been able to be by her side to share the joy of her accomplishments.”
Figueroa-Salinas’ classmates aren’t the only people who have brought an impact on her, and her to them. Scott Voigt and Cheryl Bolt, the director and accompanist of the middle schools and Rock Island High School’s Choirs also mean dearly to the singer. “Throughout these years, Mr. Voigt and Mrs. Bolt have helped and encouraged me to try out for everything, never miss an opportunity and to never give up. I will definitely miss them being my choir directors,” states Figueroa-Salinas. She also adds on that the two are by far, very talented directors.
The past few years in choir have been filled with precious memories for Noemi Figueroa-Salinas. She is uncertain whether she wants a music-based career in the future. But, as her senior year is coming to a soon end, she hopes to cherish the time she has left as a member of the Chamber Singers and to continue making lasting memories till the end.
