As competition season comes to an end members of the BVH Vocal Music Department (VMD) reflect on months of performances. Sophomore Alec Zelaya and junior Dalia Candarlio stood out after earning multiple individual awards due to their contributions to their teams, Music Machine and Sound Unlimited. Their achievements highlight both personal growth and the strength of the program.VMD competition season goes from Feb. through mid-April and includes traveling across Southern California to compete against other schools. Students perform a full production that includes singing, dancing and acting. This makes it a very rewarding experience, Vocal Music Director Michael Atwood explains why competition season is so important to both him and his students.
“It’s my favorite time of the year,” Atwood said. “We put together a full show with live bands, choreography and set pieces and then we take it on the road. My favorite part is that the show improves every time as we continue to grow to improve.”
Throughout the season students repeatedly perform the same show while making several adjustments based on different judges feedback. This allows them to refine the performance, improving it and helping them build confidence over time. The focus on growth helps students improve not just as informers but as a team. Atwood also describes how individual awards are given during competitions which makes them so meaningful. These awards are not expected and are chosen by judges or audience members who noticed standout performers, this gives the awards special meaning for both students and directors.
“It’s really cool to see people’s hard work being recognized. It’s about the group but it’s also special to see individuals stand out,” Atwood said.
Although the program emphasizes teamwork, individual recognition highlights the efforts that students are putting into performances, practice and rehearsals help lead to these moments of success. For many students the awards come as a surprise rather than a goal. Sophomore Alec Zelaya is a section leader in music machine, earning two outstanding performer awards this season. As a section leader he is responsible for guiding the bass section and helping his group stay coordinated during performances.
“I did not expect it at all,” Zelaya said. “I did not think I was the strongest dancer, so winning the first time was shocking and the second time was even more surprising.”
Zelaya’s reaction reflects the humility that is common among VMD performers. Rather than focusing on individual success, many students prioritize improving the overall group performance. In addition to his personal achievements Zelaya emphasizes the importance of teamwork within Music Machine. The group relies on strong connections between members during competitions; this sense of unity plays a huge role in performances.
“Music Machine means working as a team like a family,” Zelaya said. “We all share the same goal of performing, and getting to perform in front of thousands of people is something really special.”
The idea of family is a reoccurring theme within VMD as students spend hours rehearsing together and traveling for competitions which helps them build strong relationships. Junior Dalia Candalario is dance captain and has also received significant recognition earning five best performer awards across Sound Unlimited and Music Machine. As Sound Unlimited Dance Captain, she helps lead choreography and supports other members during rehearsals. This added responsibility helps improve performances.
“The first time I won I was really shocked. I was just happy, but it is not something I try to focus on,” Candalario said.
Candalario perspective shows that awards are not her main motivation, instead she focuses on the experience and the people around her. This mindset helps create a more supportive and less competitive environment within the group. She also shares what Sound Unlimited means to her after being part of the group for three years.
“It is a family to me at this point. I am not even doing it to showcase, I’m doing it to support my friends and be there for people I care about,” Candalario said.
Candalario connection to the program goes beyond performance and competition it has become an essential part of her high school experience. Zelaya and Candalario both face challenges while participating in the program by having rehearsals, competitions and school work that requires a lot of time management and staying organized has been essential.
“I would say balancing performance in school is a huge challenge. I overcame it by staying organized and motivated,” Zelaya said.
Zelaya explained how he manages these responsibilities as a student performer and his ability to stay focused helps him succeed in school and in VMD. Atwood goes on to describe the characters and leadership both students bring to the program. They both set a huge example for others and shape the overall environment of the group. He emphasized that their impact goes beyond performances on the stage
“They are both very positive and they care about the whole group. They’re also very humble. It is not about the words for them, they just perform with joy, passion and energy,” Atwood said.
These qualities are what make them stand out not only to judges but also to their peers. As the season comes to an end, both students encourage others to join as they believe that the program offers valuable experiences. Beyond performance Dahlia emphasizes the personal growth that comes from being part of VMD; she believes that the program helps students become more confident and comfortable with themselves as the support system within the group makes a lasting difference.
“I feel like a lot of people are afraid of judgment and other people think about them. But honestly, it taught me not to care about that kind of stuff and to be comfortable with myself,” Candalario said.
