Claire Chow ‘26
Sep 12, 2025
As people sat in the pews of the chapel and listened to the Chorale perform during Convocation, many in the audience couldn’t help but notice that the choristers consisted mostly of female students, and only four males, including Director of Bands Shami Beni. However, if you peek into the Chorale room in the Burgin Center for the Arts during Rotation E, you will be met with an even bigger surprise: the Chorale has one male participant—Miles New ’27.
Jim Brinson, Chorale Director, said simply, “We need more tenors and basses to balance the soprano and alto parts.” With 14 girls in the Chorale currently, New’s voice is swallowed by the sopranos and altos around him.
This brings up the underlying question: Are fewer boys participating in the arts? In recent years, the number of male choristers has gradually decreased. However, New noted that in all the years he has participated, there has always been at least one other boy, making this year especially noteworthy.
New feels as though his responsibility and role in the Chorale have become more important. “With fewer people supporting the major tenor parts,” he said. “Any mistake stands out more.” Brinson also pointed out the problem of New having no one to lean on and that “it's difficult to make sure a single tenor is confident when he is the only voice.”
Even with this imbalance, New’s mood, dedication, and interest remain the same. He chooses to stay in Chorale because he enjoys the class and the group. “I love performing in concerts, and I really appreciate Brinson’s energy and support, as well as [Shami] Beni’s amazing attitude.”
Beyond the technical skills, one of the most valuable aspects of what Mercersburg’s arts program offers is the collaborations and friendships that come from working with classmates towards a shared goal. Whether you love the arts or you’re just trying to fulfil your credit requirement, the bonds formed in the studios, on stage, or in the gallery carry over into other areas of school life and beyond.
With the spotlight all on him, which New calls “a bit too much at times,” he hopes more boys will join Chorale. Brinson is hopeful we can make that turnaround in the near future.