West Haven High School seniors Anthony and Dylan have found meaningful experiences through the school's chorus program, with Dylan also taking on a leadership role behind the scenes in Theater Workshop. From the excitement of performing in front of an audience to learning from challenges during rehearsals, both students have grown through their involvement in the arts and the people who have supported them along the way.
Anthony, a member of the baritone section who switches between tenor and bass, has participated in West Haven High School's chorus for approximately three years. He began singing in seventh grade at Bailey Middle School and continued through eighth grade before joining the high school chorus as a freshman. After taking a break during sophomore year, he returned as a junior and remains involved as a senior.
Dylan has been involved in chorus since elementary school and Theater Workshop since middle school. He sings in the baritone section of chorus and is a member of Bel Canto, the school's elite chorus group. In Theater Workshop, he serves as technical stage manager, overseeing the crew that helps bring productions to life behind the scenes.
One of Anthony's favorite memories from chorus comes from his freshman year, when he and his friends performed in their first high school winter concert. Despite months of preparation, the group was nervous as the big day approached. Once the performance ended, that nervousness turned into a shared sense of accomplishment.
“That feeling that we actually did it I just couldn't believe it. That feeling could never be replicated because that feeling I had that night wasn't just my own, it was also all my friends' same emotions and seeing how happy they were made me even more happy,” Anthony said.
For Dylan, one of his most memorable chorus experiences took place much farther from home. He performed in the Octavo Series Chorus concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City alongside other chorus groups from across the country. After chorus director Jason Thomas shared that Dr. Felicia Barber, a professor at the Yale School of Music, wanted the group to participate, Dylan and his classmates were amazed by the opportunity. Their trip included rehearsals, a Broadway show, and time exploring the city before performing at the historic venue.
“Never would I have imagined that I would be performing at such a historical location that would change how the West Haven High School Chorus is represented,” Dylan said. “And once our performance was over, I felt as if I was on top of the world.”
Beyond his involvement in chorus, Anthony takes pride in being someone others can depend on. Whether he is volunteering or helping a friend, he believes that making a positive difference is what matters most. Seeing someone smile after he has helped them is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience for him.
Dylan has also found opportunities to grow through challenges in the arts. During his sophomore year, Theater Workshop staged The Addams Family, and Dylan was responsible for operating a special effect that lowered a bird from the catwalk above the stage into Wednesday Addams' hands during a musical number. His first attempt during rehearsal did not go as planned, and the show had to stop while he worked out the problem. With more practice, however, he mastered the effect and successfully operated it during performances.
That experience helped Dylan move from assisting with backstage tasks to becoming assistant stage manager and eventually technical stage manager. He learned that mistakes can become opportunities to improve when met with patience and persistence.
“Nevertheless, eventually I managed to get the hang of it with more practice and ended up greatly succeeding in my work when showtime came,” Dylan said. “And then I learned over time that the only way one can forget their mistakes is by learning from them and working towards not repeating them in the present.”
Outside of school and chorus, Anthony credits his friends and cousin with helping him become more confident. He explained that he used to be a quiet and nervous person, but the people he spends time with outside school became like family and helped shape his personality. He is especially thankful to Alex, Eddy, Richy, Chyenne, Justin, and his cousin Aleyia for the role they have played in his life.
Dylan is proud of his accomplishments beyond the arts, particularly his academic performance. He has a cumulative GPA of 4.7 and ranks 11th in his class of 402 students. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and the school's news team, where he has anchored morning announcements and recorded the voice for the daily Pledge of Allegiance.
As graduation approaches, Anthony is exploring his options for a future in the automotive field. He is applying to Gateway and Lincoln Tech in East Windsor to learn more about becoming an auto mechanic. While he may enter the trade directly after high school, he is open to attending college if it becomes necessary for his goals.
Dylan plans to major in entertainment design, a field focused on creating attractions and experiences for others to enjoy. After touring several colleges, he found a program that appealed to him at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. He hopes to use his creativity to develop experiences that bring happiness to others and allow them to see a glimpse of his imagination.
Dylan credits his parents for their continued support as he prepares for life after high school. He also recognizes his aunt, who shares his passion for theater and the performing arts and previously worked as an actor and director for a local children's theater. Her advice has helped him navigate production responsibilities and challenges during rehearsals.
As Anthony explores a future in the automotive trade and Dylan prepares to pursue entertainment design, both seniors are looking ahead with experiences from the arts that have helped shape their high school years. Their stories reflect how involvement in chorus and theater can create lasting memories, encourage personal growth, and open the door to new possibilities beyond the stage.