Searcy (LP) The SHS choirs are almost completely ready to begin a new music-filled school year, but they’re lacking one thing: their choir director. Mrs. Tina Niederbrach, head director of the Searcy choirs, discovered in June that she has a type of Colon cancer.She is in the process of undergoing many treatments currently and has taken a short leave of absence from the school. Niederbrach says, “I may be tired, but I am ready for this battle!” To ensure that her students are not without mentorship, she has asked Mr. David Willard to step in and act as a substitute. Willard is the retired choir director of Cabot public schools and is longtime friends with Niederbrach. He and the students are working together to ensure that the Searcy High School choir makes this as easy on Mrs. Niederbrach as possible and simultaneously make it a musical, educational environment for everyone involved.

      Senior Kama Morris, the vice president of the choir, says, “(Her absence) makes things a lot harder, but at the same time, it’s rewarding to be able to keep things going while she’s gone…Although many of us have had Mrs. N for several years, we’ve been taught well enough to be confident in ourselves and to be leaders. Our job as juniors and seniors in choir is to carry on and pass on what she has taught us over the years. Time doesn’t stop when it comes to ensemble tryouts, All region tryouts, concerts, and All State. We as individuals all put forth our efforts to create an amazing choir, just as Mrs. N has always taught us. We’re family. We work together and keep making magic.”

Though Mrs. Niederbrach’s return date is still unknown, the students continue to make sure that it is as easy as possible for her to get better and return to her job. The choir has already begun sectional rehearsals together for their all-region tryout materials to make sure no one is left without knowing the music. All in all, this choir family is working their hardest to stay strong and work together despite the tough circumstances.