Singing fanatic Maya Ramautar has spent her entire high school career dedicating time to the choir department. 

Whether it’s Chamber Choir, Women’s Chorale, the musical, or any other choral group, Ramautar has been a member of it ever since she was given the opportunity in sixth grade.  

Ramautar’s dedication to music does not go unnoticed. Recently, members of choir had the chance to qualify for PMEA District 10 Chorus. In order to ensure that she had a spot, Ramautar spent the past few months readying herself for the grueling and competitive process. 

“We had performed the piece for districts during last year’s spring concert, and since then, I rehearsed the piece with the track, as well as with Mr. DiMinico,” Ramautar said. “Continually rehearsing allowed me to see individual things I could improve on prior to the time of the actual audition in order to increase my chances of making it.” 

Ramautar reaped the benefits of her preparation on the night of October 23 at Parkland High School.  Approximately 1,200 people attended districts, equating to 150 people per voice part. The process consisted of three different rooms, with the last two being sight readings and finals. This determined the overall score, deciding whether or not that person qualified for districts. 

A district qualifier since she was an underclassman, it’s no surprise that once again, Ramautar’s superb singing skills allowed her to rank in the top 26. 

“I first made districts when I was a sophomore, and luckily continued the trend up through this year,” Ramautar said. “It was a shock to me this year because for the previous two years, I had ranked in the low 20s (just barely making it), while this time I ranked fourth.” 

PMEA District Choir is an unforgettable experience; Ramautar is excited to be able to experience it one last time. 

“The music is always interesting, and the opportunity to work with a different director and a whole new choir is an incomparable experience,” Ramautar said. “One of the best parts, however, is the friendships you form with people at auditions, in rehearsal, and those you room with if the festival is far enough to merit boarding.” 

Ramautar would not have been able to attend districts for the past three years without Mr. DiMinico’s help along the way. 

“Mr. DiMinico has definitely improved my singing. Through the musical and choir, he has impacted me as a person, strengthened my dedication to music groups, and enhanced my love and appreciation for music and theatre,” Ramautar said. 

In addition to being a hobby, choir has also been a great way for Ramautar to learn valuable life lessons. 

“Through choir, I’ve learned that working together to achieve a goal can create something truly amazing,” Ramautar said. “Being president this year gives me the opportunity to help with every aspect of choir, contributing to the level of responsibility I attained this year.” 

Even though it’s Ramautar’s last year of choir, she looks forward to continue her singing career as she furthers her education. 

“I’m not sure where I want to go college yet, but I love the city, so hopefully I can go somewhere in New York,” Ramautar said. “In New York, I plan on joining college choirs and I want to land a few larger gigs.” 

Attending college in New York, Ramautar plans to fully devote herself to her major, neuroscience. 

“I want to major in neuroscience because the brain intrigues me. I love to see how different neurological impulses effect the body and even emotions, such as with clinical diagnosis of things like anxiety and depression,” Ramautar said. “I also hope to major in music because that has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember.” 

As Ramautar sings her final notes at Bangor High, she wants to leave some words of advice to her fellow classmates. 

“Join as many things as you can in high school. I’ve known many people who have decided to join the musical just for their senior year, and then regretted not being a part of it for all four years,” Ramautar said. “You build bonds and make memories that are irreplaceable. If you are the only thing holding yourself back, go for it, and have the sense of ‘at least I did it once’ instead of ‘I wish I had done that.”’ 

Ramautar’s presence on the stage will surely be missed as she moves on to pursue a career in neuroscience.