Citrus Valley’s Inspire Choir radiates joy through song

By MAGGIE SNAVELY

When the Inspire Choir is on stage singing, they are fully engaged and having fun, and the audience can’t help but share in the joy.

The Inspire Choir, a 20 voice show choir performed by Citrus Valley Special Education students, captivated audiences for a fourth year with their Nov. 27 winter concert, “I’ll be home for Christmas.”

Carson Schumacher, president of Inspire Choir, says that her favorite songs to sing “are the Christmas songs” during the holidays.

Schumacher said that she also enjoys having special guests in the choir, like “Tutti,” from the Kingsbury Elementary Special Ed music program, who visited their most recent concert.

Joseph Supankuat, Citrus Valley Inspire Choir member, leads a song in the 2017 winter concert and wows the crowd with a powerful solo. (ALYSSA MARTIN/ Ethic video)

Joseph Supankuat, Inspire Choir member, says that he absolutely loves singing and groups such as Backstreet Boys. He thinks that sometimes “it’s hard to be in a choir” because “it’s hard to remember the words.” Supankuat’s favorite song they have sung is “Jingle Bells” and he loves Christmas music as well.

Citrus Valley High Schoool’s Inspire Choir performs at Citrus Valley’s 2018 Fall Rally. The gym packed with over a thousand students swayed with cell phone lights throughout the Inspire Choir’s performance. (BRANDON SAGLAM/Ethic Photo)

Citrus Valley’s Inspire Choir is directed by Cynthia Van Horn. (ALYSSA MARTIN/ Ethic photo)

The Inspire Choir is directed by Cynthia Van Horn. “I have been a youth choir director for over 30 years, literally all over the world. This is the finest choir I’ve ever worked with,” Van Horn said.

Inspire Choir rehearses for their performances every Wednesday with a fun and playful atmosphere, thanks to Van Horn.

In addition to winter performances, the choir holds numerous concerts during the year, including performances during and away from school.

Inspire Choir as they reached the court floor preparing to perform for their school Citrus Valley. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)

Back in their Citrus Valley classroom, the welcoming mood reflects the positivity of when Inspire Choir performs on stage. Students in the class, including the adults in the room, are not afraid to have fun and be silly.

Citrus Valley students Joseph Supankuat, Carson Schumacher and Haley Ajullar share their favorite aspects of being in the Inspire Choir. (BELLA ESPINOZA/ Ethic photo)

Schumacher said that her favorite part of being in the choir is “performing on stage.” She loves to sing and dance in front of a crowd, and believes that being in the choir is pretty easy and a great way to have fun.

Haley Ajullar, Choir Inspire member says she completely loves singing, and also thinks that choir is fun and easy.

Inspire Choir would receive a standing ovation once they finished performing. (BRANDON SAGLAM/ Ethic Photo)

The Inspire Choir made its debut at Citrus Valley High School in the 2014-15 school year, with a notable performance of Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.” Since then, the Citrus Valley community has looked forward to their performances during school day events and evening performances.

Check back for photos from the Nov. 27, 2018 Inspire Choir performance.