Choral Profile: Men's Vocal Ensemble

Every time Moeller celebrates Mass, students who are in a chorus class lead the school in singing; however, a select group among these students are leaders within the choral program. This group is the men’s vocal ensemble.

This year, Moeller’s vocal ensemble consists of fifteen juniors and seniors who meet every B-Day and are dedicated to making music at Mass special. Moeller’s Vocal Ensemble is a separate class and has been part of the chorus program since 2005, meaning it started before most current students were born!

Over the past eighteen years, the phenomenal class has been led by Moeller’s one and only Mr. Balbach. The Crusader had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Balbach to get to know more about the class. Mr. Balbach reflected on how the addition of the vocal ensemble has allowed students with a special interest or talent to focus more on music, saying “the cream always rises to the top.” He went on to say that his plan for the spring concert was to “highlight [students’] talents to the best of their abilities, given the number and the talent level.”

The Crusader also talked with vocal ensemble members Alex French and Eli Jacon-Duffy to find out about their experience.

The Crusader: When entering Moeller, did you see yourself being a four-year chorus member and eventually joining the vocal ensemble class?

French: It had been something I had thought about just because my brother was in it as well, but it wasn’t something I had aimed to do in until my sophomore year.

Jacon-Duffy: I knew that I wanted to be in the chorus before I even came to Moeller because all my brothers who had been at Moeller were in the chorus for four years and eventually joined the vocal ensemble.

The Crusader: Have you enjoyed your time in the vocal ensemble? Would you recommend incoming students to join the chorus or current chorus members to stick with it?

French: I would one hundred percent recommend it to incoming students and even current chorus members because I had taken an extra year of chorus in order to get into the Vocal Ensemble.

Jacon-Duffy: Yes, for sure. Even though it can be difficult at times, I can’t say I’ve had a bad experience in the class and have always enjoyed it.

Thank you to Mr. Balbach, Alex, and Eli for taking the time to talk with The Crusader!

Photo courtesy of @BigMoeBarrett on Instagram.