Mr. Van Atta stands on the Arts Center stage and looks out to the glistening eyes of GA chorus students who are ready to learn. Every day, Mr. Van Atta comes to GA to teach students the fundamentals of singing.
“I hope I am a friendly presence for the performing arts students, but I also hope that I am that for every student here at GA,” Mr. Van Atta said.
Mr. Van Atta, GA’s Middle and Upper School Choral Director, plans to move on from GA at the end of the school year. Throughout Mr. Van Atta’s time at GA, he has fostered a friendly and inclusive choir program that pushes each student to be their best.
“My philosophy about choir is that every person can sing,” Mr. Van Atta said.
Mr. Van Atta preaches a positive attitude and environment for the singers. This is one of the reasons he believes GA was a good fit for him.
“[GA’s environment] aligned very much with what I love to do as a teacher, which is to inspire people to sing and to encourage them to try something that may be out of their comfort zone,” Mr. Van Atta said.
Mr. Van Atta has touched the lives and hearts of many GA students. In particular, student Declan Dean ‘26 believes Mr. Van Atta is a great teacher and instructor who has helped him develop his love for choir.
“I think that Mr. Van Atta really helped me realize my vocal skills as a singer,” Dean said. “I think without him, I would have never been as passionate about singing.”
Further, many students admire Mr. Van Atta’s understanding of the music and choral field of study.
“I think Mr. Van Atta brings a level of expertise to chorus and a level of passion,” Dean said.
Lauren Sass ‘26 is deeply involved in the performing arts program at GA and has been a part of Mr. Van Atta’s choir for two years.
“Mr Van Atta has definitely helped me as a singer,” Sass said. “His vocal precision is amazing.”
This year, Lauren was able to be a part of The American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), a nationally recognized event for top singers.
“Through his guidance, he encouraged me and other students to apply for ACDA, which is something I never would have done otherwise,” Sass said. “Under his mentorship, five students got selected, which is the most we have ever had accepted at this conference in GA history.”
Sass loved her opportunity of being able to have Mr Van Atta and she agrees with the fact that Mr. Van Atta has made the GA choir program immensely stronger.
“We not only sound more professional, but we look cohesive on stage in our apparel,” Sass said. “He allowed students the opportunity to go on an international tour to Japan to grow as singers.”
Earlier this year, the 1759 singers had the opportunity to tour Japan. Although this was certainly a feature of the year, Mr. Van Atta also does not hesitate to highlight the significance of smaller performances in the community.
“The community performances have been central in building a climate and culture that allows us to do things like choir tours,” Mr. Van Atta said.
Looking forward to next year, Mr. Van Atta hopes the culture he has created will live on through the choir program.
“That, to me, is the power of music – that it brings people together. I hope that is a culture that continues to thrive at GA, because it has been a really important part of what I’ve hoped to build here,” Mr. Van Atta said.