Danbury High School’s music department offers many opportunities for students to get involved. From singing to playing instruments there are many full-year and half-year classes available to students. At DHS there are three types of choir classes, two of which are open to all students with no auditions required, these being Concert and Pop Choir. Then there is Magrical Singers which is only open to students in 10-12th grade and requires an audition. What sets Magrical Singers apart from the other choirs is that they sing cappella. It is also an honor class in which students study music and carry a heavy workload of music theory, reading, and performing. The students are expected to balance learning and music maintenance, both of which are very important to the class. On top of this, students also must remain respectful and represent themselves and the school with grace when at public events. 

Although many schools across the state have a similar class for students, it is not known when Madrigal Singers came to DHS. However, the class is believed to have been around for multiple decades. DHS music teacher Joseph Alfano who has been involved with the class for the last two years believes that watching the students “grow and maintain” what they are learning has been one of his favorite things to see throughout the year. That, and also watching his students “become aware of what they are doing and how to improve” for the next time.  Throughout the school year, the students in magricals sing for most events at DHS such as the National Anthem at football games or pep rallies and even caroling events such as the one hosted at Barnes and Nobles at the Danbury Fair Mall back in December. 

These experiences have been “eye-opening and have offered [her] a chance to connect with other students who love music just as much,” says Aaliyah Calderon, a senior magrical. Calderon had heard about the class from other students and teachers and chose to audition her sophomore year. Although she does not plan to continue music into college, Calderon is grateful for the experience and is sad that it will be coming to an end soon. Therefore, Magricals is a great opportunity for all students with a common love for music to connect and build a lifetime of memories.