As February rolls around, the air at Seven Hills High School is filled with excitement, not just because of Valentine’s Day, but because of the annual Vocal Valentines. Starting in February, the school’s choir spreads messages and music through unexpected performances delivered right to your classroom at any time of the day.
Vocal Valentines are messages sent by students from all grade levels to anyone they want to surprise with a personalized song and note. Once the message is received, the school’s chorus will at random walk into a class and start singing the chosen song. The element of surprise is what makes it so special for students to want to walk in and sing.
Junior Lemuel Zyyon, who has participated in delivering these musical messages all throughout his years in the high school, says, “It is funny to walk into someone’s classroom and just start singing randomly. The reactions are the best part.” It’s clear from his words that the spontaneity of these performances is what makes them a memorable part of the school year.
While many students take advantage of Vocal Valentines to send messages to their friends, there’s no limit to their creativity. “There’s a large variety of personal messages,” Lemuel explains. “Like, it can be a message from a boyfriend or girlfriend, but also it can be something out of pocket from a friend.” From sweet serenades to funny messages, the choir’s performances make it clear that anyone can participate in the school.
Although Vocal Valentines are open to all grade levels, it seems that every year the Freshmen and Sophomores are the most involved, based on the messages sent and the enthusiasm surrounding the event. Whether you’re sending a random joke to a friend or something meaningful, the Vocal Valentines tradition at Seven Hills brings a sense of community and fun to an otherwise busy month. As Mr. Drew, shared, “I enjoyed Vocal Valentines, because I got to see students’ personalities more and I honestly wish they sang more.” This sentiment highlights the personal connections and spirit that the event fosters across the high school.
Vocal Valentines have become a way for students to connect across grade levels in the school. The excitement is contagious, as even teachers can’t help but laugh when the choir bursts into the middle of a lesson. After talking with members of the school choir it has become obvious that many of the students are a little embarrassed when receiving a vocal valentine, but are still able to laugh it off later on. Surprises have a way of making the grades feel more connected to each other, as they are all asking the same things to people who receive the valentines. This tradition reminds everyone each year that sometimes an unexpected vocal valentine from your friends can lead to more enjoyment for other students to watch and participate in. While the event is fun for students, it also highlights the school’s commitment to fostering creativity and school spirit.
The school’s choir makes it clear that these spontaneous performances are more than just about liking—they’re about creating memorable moments and spreading joy throughout the halls. So, this February, if you hear singing down the hallway, you might just be the next recipient of a Vocal Valentine.
