When students at NAHS begin music classes, their passions take them above and beyond the average musician.
Junior Isabelle Ratliff is now in her sixth year of choir. She spent three years in Scribner Middle School’s (SMS) choir, and three here at NAHS. This year at NAHS she is currently enrolled in Advanced Choir and AP Music Theory. She accomplished a plethora of achievements while involved in NAHS Choir, including ISSMA 2025 & 2026, All State Honor Choir 2026, and Music in the Parks competitions. She thoroughly enjoys music, and on her own time plays piano and guitar.
“Choir provides an opportunity to not only share a common love of musicianship,” Ratliff said, “but also one to connect on a deeper level.”
NAHS Choir ventures into a multitude of music genres during each of their performances. From gospel to classical, an NAHS Choir student finds themselves well rounded in each genre, and is exposed to many different composers.
“Eric Whitacre is a wondrous composer who I look up to and admire greatly,” Ratliff said. “His works are some of the greatest, I’d say, at evoking a wide range of emotions from his audience. I got the opportunity to see him perform a few of his original pieces with the Louisville Orchestra and Choir at Whitney Hall. He was so friendly and funny, telling tales with the audience as if he’s known them for years. That was really great.”
A music teacher can leave a lasting impact on their students. Particularly in choir, it is very important to find that trusted and admirated role model.
“My current choir director and previous choir director from middle school both have inspired me so much to continue this passion of mine, to explore this interest for what it is,” Ratliff said.
Middle school can start an entirely new era for students, as they try out potential passions and interests.
“Mrs. Hulsman (SMS Choir Director) was always so empowering with her words,” Ratliff said, “and that was really when I began to realize that choir was beyond a hobby for me. (NAHS Choir Director) Mr. McCoy has supported me in learning more about music and has provided many resources for me to learn more. These individuals are more than just choral directors to me, they’re people who really did throw more wood into the fire and continued to keep my love and passion for music ablaze.”
One of the most important aspects of a choir is its strength as an ensemble. How the choir pieces together each section to make a whole can make or break a piece of music.
“I enjoy intense songs when performing in an ensemble,” Ratliff said. “Ones that take time practicing, with several different parts and rhythmic changes, but in the end have a grand outcome when united. Previously, our choir sang ‘Elijah Rock’ by Moses Hogan. It was one that took so much time getting down, but when we all sang it together, with all 8 parts, it was thrilling. Certain parts still give me chills listening back to it again.”
While music can take up over 50% of a student’s free time, most of them don’t pursue their passions after high school.
“Absolutely, [I will be pursuing music outside of high school],” Ratliff said. “Not only is it my plan to pursue music education, but outside of high school, I’d love to have music in my everyday life and be able to spread that to others as well. ‘Without music, life would be a mistake.’”
The 2025-2026 school year marks Mr. Dale McCoy’s fourth year as NAHS Choir director. In just four years, he has transformed the department.
“Mr. McCoy is not only very talented in what he does, but is also extremely passionate about music and our choirs specifically,” Ratliff said. “Being able to work with a director like him is truly great; he’s taught me much of what I know about music and singing. Whenever I hear him sing, whether it’s just a little tune or stepping in to help another section practice, it makes me realize how talented he is in this field. I wouldn’t ask for anyone else to be our choir director.”
Ratliff fills everyday with music. Music is the glue of her everyday life, and she shares that she would be lost without it.
“When words don’t suffice, music brings people together,” Ratliff said. “That’s what’s beautiful about choir; it brings all kinds of different people together to have this amazing shared experience that is making music, and its outcome is wondrous.”
