“We all get along like one big happy family and we will always be the choir fam!” said seventh-grader Valerie Zamora referring to choir teacher Ms. Vee Balma’s retirement. Valerie enjoyed spending her past two years in Mrs Balma’s choir class and will miss the fun memories she made with Mrs. Balma and everyone else in that class.

Mrs. Balma’s last concert was emotional and unexpected. After 35 years of teaching vocal classes Mrs. Balma decided to retire. She wants to do other things while she still can and enjoy life to the fullest.

While the beginning girls choir was singing the lights went out surprising the audience, Mrs Balma, and the choir students.

“Initially, I was overwhelmed but then I realized it was going to be a memorable performance,” said Mrs. Balma.  

The show had to go on with or without microphones and lights. The choir students tried their best to continue and even the audience was trying to help by pointing their flashlights toward the stage.  The concert started at 7:00 pm at Santa Ana high school on June 7.  All 170 students went over Mrs. Balmas expectations.

No improvement was needed as the students did amazingly throughout the whole concert. They worked as a team but concert choir put the most effort since they sang the most difficult songs.

Mrs Balma is going to miss the kids however she won’t miss all the paperwork that was given to her. She enjoys seeing the students grow self confidence and grow as individuals.  She believes that showing spirit, pride and achievement is a skill that is most needed in not just choir but in other activities.

“We still need one more year it’s going to be different since the new teacher will teach us things we didn’t do with Mrs. Balma” said seventh grader Cristine Kemechs. She thought her performance was amazing and the advanced girls choir didn’t need betterment. Her favorite performance was the Shoop Shoop song performed by the advanced girls choir.