While it often goes unnoticed, show choir can be one of the most physically and mentally taxing activities for a highschooler. A massive time commitment is required with preparation starting back in August, and the season lasting well into the second semester.
Junior Barrett Haun is one of those preparing since the summer, but a surgery over December derailed what he expected for the show choir season.
Haun had left shoulder problems dating back to his sophomore year which caused complications for his football and wrestling season. His pain and risk got so bad that he could not compete in his junior wrestling and football seasons.
On Dec. 19th, Haun had his operation and he spent the next few days in the hospital. For the next few weeks he was under a strict diet and continued to lose weight. Despite this, Haun was still there to perform at the first show on Jan. 16th.
After his operation, Haun wasn’t able to move his left shoulder very much which severely impeded his ability to perform. The only song that Haun is able to perform on stage is the Ballad because the choreography doesn’t require him to use his left shoulder. The rest of the time, Haun performs from a chair behind the stage next to the band.
“He had some trouble with it at first and he was embarrassed about it but he keeps working at it and is getting better,” said senior show choir section leader Amina Teri.
While not performing next to the rest of the group could be difficult, Haun has adapted to make sure that he is on the same page as the rest of the performers.
“He’s right next to the band, so he is still able to know the tempo,” said junior show choir member Ronan Clements.
Dance breaks are one of the most exciting and impressive aspects of show choir and they take lots of hours of preparation to get them right. Haun put in these hours despite being unable to showcase his skills on stage.
“He learned everything over the summer just to not be able to perform on stage,” Clements said. “So I’m sure he was disappointed, but he never wavered.”
AdrENaline has completed twice so far this season. They placed third in their first competition at Burke High School, and have hopes to take gold this weekend at The Red Carpet Classic.
Haun has proven to be a persistent and adaptable performer making him the Wolf of the Week.
“He definitely has shown that he still wants to be here and he keeps working hard and it shows,” Teri said.
