The epiphany of a musical community, the Issaquah Choir Program, led by Ms. Jessica Turner, is composed of students from diverse musical backgrounds and personalities. In the summer of 2022, Ms. Turner graduated from the University of Washington and started at Issaquah High School in the fall of that year with aspirations to build a program that not only brought students together through music but also a safe space where students could temporarily put the stress of academia away. “To find moments where you have a place to just be you, and not a working machine. You’re a person,” she said.
Ms. Turner shares that she found her passion for teaching music her senior year of high school. Although she participated in choir all 4 years of highschool, her senior year choir experience was especially unique. Since her choir instructor was frequently sick during her senior year which provided her the opportunity to step up as a leader. She conducted and taught music during that time and felt what she described as a spark that led her to realize her love of teaching choral music.
The Issaquah Choir Program consists of two in-school choirs and three extracurricular ensembles. These include Concert Choir, Issaquah Chorale, New Dynamics, Hi-Tones, Mix it Up and In Harmony, ensuring a place for any experience.
“I feel like for people to be invested in what they sing, they should feel reflected in the music,” said Ms. Turner. Her belief is reflected in the diverse selection of music that explores various themes such as love and community that students experiment and perform with. Although some pieces are sung in English, the array of language that choristers perform represents the racially diverse student body at Issaquah High School and further exemplifies Ms. Turner’s commitment to creating an inclusive space for all. For example, Issaquah Chorale is currently singing Balleilakka, a classical Indian piece written in Tamil. It is a fresh experience for many students and a chance for those familiar with Tamil, who may not be represented in other programs and classes, to stand in the spotlight and share their culture.
When describing Issaquah’s Choir program, Ms. Turner frequently revisited the theme of community. “Community is essential to music making,” Turner said. She prides herself in the fact that the students in the program voluntarily and actively support one another. An example is the students’ effort to cheer on their peers during Solo and Ensemble, a highly anticipated annual competition for many in the program. While other schools may have one or two students watching their classmates’ performances, Issaquah students are in groups of at least 20 or more to watch their friends’ performances.
Ms. Turner’s commitment to bettering her students musically and socially is reflected in her dedication to helping make each generation of students more empathetic and kind than when they first started in her classroom. “I think it’s really easy for people to focus on themselves and all the things they want to get done. What I love about the students in our program is that they’re here and they worry and care about each other” she said. The myriad of positive reviews from the choristers are evidence of her commitment to the program.
“Choir is always the highlight of my day. Never have I felt as included and loved as I have in my years in choir. Ms Turner has so much belief in every single person that enters her room, she truly believes each of us can succeed,” Lauretta Finhom (grade 10) reflected. Other students voice their gratitude to be part of such a loving community and hope others can join and make choir part of their high school experience too. Natalie Crowner (grade 10) emphasized, “You really become family since you spend so much time together. You make bonds that will last you past high school.” The students’ passion, commitment, and dedication are showcased every time they perform, on stage or in the classroom.
Some opportunities to support this program include going to their Candlelight Concert (December 10, 2024), Spring Choir Concert (March 27, 2025), or Final Choir Concert (May 22, 2025). At the concerts audiences are able to witness the product of weeks long hard work the choristers put into the program. These events are the perfect glimpse into the magic of the program- where musical spirit go hand in hand with a loving community. Beyond the stage Mix it Up sings at assemblies and does February Sing-a-grams. You can find more information on their Instagram, @Issychoir. If this seems like a program you are interested in participating in, sign up for one of the classes next year or email Ms. Turner at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Ms. Turner intends to expand the program and spread music throughout the Issaquah community. The Issaquah Choir community is a distinct place where students are not only allowed but encouraged to express their creativity and individuality. Additionally, it is a testament to the transformative power of music. It is a place where performers hone their talents, share their passion for music, and make friends that become family.
