It’s 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning and instead of being bundled up in her warm, cozy blanket, senior Hayley Bermont is stuck in traffic on the way to her triweekly voice lesson. Not only does she sacrifice extra sleep on the weekends, but she also has less free time during the week. Despite having an off period during seventh, Bermont stays at school until 4:30 every day for choir rehearsal. This is the jam-packed life of a devoted and dedicated member of the Clear Creek Choir.
“The lack of free time sucks, but the things I get to do with the school choir are really fun and rewarding,” Bermont said. “I know that I won’t be able to do this stuff forever. I have two choir periods every day with different sets of music, I also have individual work that I put in by myself, plus voice lessons during seventh period and on weekends.”
Bermont is known in the choir program and inspires other students to join and work hard at their own vocal lessons.
“A few days ago, this freshman girl, who recognized me from fish camp came up to me and thanked me for encouraging her to join choir,” Bermont said. “I almost cried.”
Her shortage of personal time and breaks has paid off, as she has many accomplishments to boast about. She is the first co-president of Choir, a two-time member of the All-State Choir, and she recently earned first chair district choir as well.
“I was super excited when I found out I got first chair. It was nice to see that my hard work paid off,” Bermont said. “I also hope to make the All-State Choir again this year.”
Choir has become a huge part of Bermont’s life because she has put so much of her time and energy into honing in her vocal skills, with years of voice lessons, musical rehearsals, concerts, and competitions.
“It’s my outlet for stress,” Bermont said. “I really like singing with other people. I also think it’s my inherent want to be the best at everything I do and put in my best effort so that I never feel unsatisfied.”
Not only is Bermont highly talented in choir, she’s also studious and takes many rigorous and AP classes. Choir is not the only activity taking up her time, so she has to balance all of her homework, along with her rehearsals and voice lessons.
“I manage my time by thinking of everything as homework, so I get it done,” Bermont said. “I just let my anxiety carry me through the rest.”
Unlike most high school students, Bermont’s social life isn’t very active due to her main focuses being her choir career and academic life.
“Choir and my academics don’t leave me much time for socializing,” Bermont said. “I mostly talk to choir kids and a few really good friends I have from other activities and classes.”
This busy, high sacrifice but high reward lifestyle isn’t for everyone. However, Bermont flourishes in her busy routine, as it keeps her engaged and mentally stimulated.
“I really like being involved in choir and I’m willing to give up some free time, but some people aren’t suited for that,” Bermont said. “I really enjoy the work and the music, and even though it takes up a lot of my time, I really love being an active member of choir.”