It’s a chilly February morning at Lynbrook, but the classrooms are filled with warmth as choir students walk in with cards, flowers, stuffed animals and smiles. They hit their final poses in a choreographed dance as the last notes of their song fade away, and students applaud their performance. The Singing Valentines tradition, which is an annual Lynbrook event, has turned into a school-wide appreciation for music, love and connection. Started by a former Lynbrook student in 2021, this tradition has been carried on by students ever since. While each performance looks flawless, the behind-the-scenes process is anything but simple. For weeks leading up to the event, choir students work together to curate their performances.
“There are spreadsheets, budgeting, purchasing stuffed animals, managing cards and stickers,” choir teacher Crystal Isola said. “Then there’s decorating the cafeteria for the concert. There are so many loose ends to tie together. It’s a lot, but there’s lots of opportunity for leadership in this process.”
From tracking orders to making sure that payments are collected and setting up the cards, every detail is managed by students in leadership roles within Lynbrook Choir, ensuring that the event goes as smoothly as possible.
“The biggest organizational logistics we have is selling and organizing the cards,” senior Janhavi Gowaikar said. “I make the PR videos and posts and handle logistics with Ms. Lawrence. We also cut the cards, number them and sort them by room before delivery.”
Along with these tasks, students handle promotion through PR efforts to remind Lynbrook about the upcoming event. They promote Singing Valentines through promotional videos on social media and on campus with colorful posters. There are layers of organization behind the entire planning cycle that ensure each performance is as enjoyable as possible for students.
In addition to the logistical aspect of preparation, there is also the critical work of rehearsal. Choir members practice their songs, perfect their self-choreographed dances and check in with leaders and Isola to ensure that all minor details are addressed. Rehearsals are often challenging, as planning and executing choreography with a group is no easy task. This process involves collaboration, and this spirit of teamwork is essential every year for pulling off the performance smoothly.
“When we have choreography block, people can ask for help from other group leaders,” senior Ayla Oner said. “It’s really helpful because when you get stuck and you need advice on how to advance.”
Although every year poses a few challenges — like adjusting choreography last minute to accommodate unexpected changes such as the sudden illness of a group member, leaders solve these challenges with flexibility.
The preparation for Singing Valentines also offers a chance for bonding and connections between the choir students. The small group setting creates an environment where students can forge new friendships and strengthen old bonds.
“It’s easier to connect with people on a smaller level,” senior Vaishali Ravikumar said. “This sense of camaraderie extends beyond just the day of the event — it helps foster long-lasting friendships that continue to grow throughout their time in the choir.”
For many students, the performance serves as a moment for the school to appreciate the hard work and dedication they put into their passion for performing. As the day of the long-awaited performance dawns, there is a mix of excitement and anxiety in the air.
“The emotions you feel before and after performing are so giddy and fun,” Gowaikar said. “The blend of nerves and joy is really common among the students, but the experience makes it all worth it, regardless of the end result.”
In addition to the heartwarming Singing Valentines performances in classrooms, the choir also holds a special Valentine’s concert to showcase both the songs performed by each group as well as the pieces that students have been working on. The students pour in a lot of effort into these performances, which adds a layer of anticipation for how their performances will turn out.
“It’s such a fun experience every year, and it’s really exciting when everything comes together after weeks of practice,” Oner said. “The anticipation and energy of the day are contagious, and you can clearly see how the performances bring joy.”
As this infectious energy spreads throughout the school, it extends beyond the students to include the faculty as well.
“At first, the teachers were hesitant, but now, every year when I email them about Singing Valentines, some reply, ‘This is my favorite day of the year,'” Isola said.
What makes Singing Valentines so special is the heart and dedication poured into every detail. Whether through the weeks of preparation or the joy shared through music, this event serves as a testament to the choir’s commitment to spreading love and positivity throughout our community.
“We put a lot of love into this,” Gowaikar said. “Even if students don’t remember everything about the experience, we know and can see that it brings joy to our campus. That’s what makes our efforts worth it.”
