I signed up for chorus as an incoming freshman to satisfy the art credit requirement at Toll Gate. I had always had a passion for music (specifically singing) and I was convinced that students would not actually be required to sing on the first day. I was looking forward to an easy one year class. I was wrong. I walked for a good amount of time through the depths of the school before arriving at the chorus room on my first day. Upon my arrival, I quickly understood that this class would be different from the rest of the classes which made up my schedule. Mr. Royster, the chorus instructor, was determined to educate his students on not only music, but also on life (with the occasional lessons on how crucial Dunkin Donuts coffees are for the soul).
After that first experience with the chorus department and Mr. Royster, I decided to take chorus/show choir all four years of my high school career. I partook in eight chorus concerts and one talent show. Each one of these performances led me to my final chorus concert. On April 24th, I performed on the Toll Gate stage for the last time alongside my fellow chorus members. This experience was entirely bittersweet and fulfilling. When I stepped off of the stage for the last time, I saw every step that led up to that moment, starting on my first day of high school.
When I first arrived at Toll Gate, I was far from discovering my potential as a performer. I had much to learn and much hard work that I was yet to put in. It was a long journey which brought me to where I am today. I could not have done it without my fellow chorus/chorale/show choir members and above all, I could not have done it without my chorus teacher, Mr. Royster.
Throughout my time at Toll Gate, I have taken many classes and come across many different teachers. There has only been one teacher which I have been lucky enough to have as my mentor throughout all four years and that is Mr. Royster. Ricco Royster first started teaching at Toll Gate high school in 1995. He is responsible for bringing the chorus department to Toll Gate. Mr. Royster is also responsible for helping me (among others) to become who I am today.
I am forever grateful that I decided to sign up for Freshman Chorus on that one day four years ago. I am forever grateful to my fellow senior show choir members: Savanna Lil, Megan Levett, Adrianna Giovanelli, Aiden Rios, and Kiera Lavalley for proving that hard work does pay off and for making these past four years memorable and unforgettable. I am honored to have called you my friends. To Mr. Royster: I believe that I can speak for all of your students throughout all of your teaching career when I say that you have taught us to love music while also teaching us essential lessons on life. I hope to have made you proud of who I have become. Thank you for the music.
“Look around you. There is not a life in this room that you have not touched, and each of us is a better person because of you. We are your symphony Mr. [Royster].” (Mr. Holland’s Opus)
