Taking the Journey with the Eighth-Grade Boys Choir

Springville Junior High School has a special singing program made specifically for eighth-grade boys. It’s called the Journeymen, and it is revolutionizing how boys learn to sing. It’s a boys-only class, which eases the transition for boys and their changing voices. This class is held at Springville Junior High School, is one semester long, and is taught by our fabulous choir teacher Mrs.Walker.

The boys-only nature of this class is necessary because junior high is a very awkward time for boys and their singing voices. According to Mrs.Walker, choir teacher at SJHS, this is the main time when their singing starts to change. The same goes for girls, who also have their own separate choir class, which makes it so the separate genders can't judge or make fun of eachother. Mrs. Walker also decided to split up the classes because more students are participating in this grade, and one class would be much too big.

It's easy to tell that the Journeymen have had a positive influence on the school because it is well liked by everyone who participates. “I like it al ot!” said student Ben Leishman. According to him, it’s just a fun way for all of the guys to get together and sing. “I love their energy and enthusiasm!” said Mrs. Walker, “There’s nothing as energetic and fun as a group of boys!” All the boys in the class think it is a lot of fun, and that it is something to look forward to.

Seventh-grade boys are strongly urged by current members to join the Journeymen next year. According to Journeyman member Ben Leishman, the class is a great opportunity to learn how to sing, and it’s great to be able to sing with boys only. Mrs.Walker feels that the boys learn better without the eighth-grade girls. “We have such a great group of seventh-grade boys this year, I will absolutely recommend this class to them,” she said. In Journeymen, boys will be learning how to sing in tune, how to sing with energy and expression, and how to perform in front of people--great skills to learn if you are planning on a career in any type of music. “Do it, just do it,” said SJHS student and Journeyman Spencer Johnson. So, in conclusion, the Journeymen choir is a great way for young boys to learn and to perform. Get ready to sign up!