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Every year Etten has goals for the choirs. One is to increase the group's tone quality; a more rich tone is desired. "I sometimes tell them to sing like you're in college, and then suddenly they sound that much better," he said. "So part of my job is to be that constant reminder for them to focus." Etten also emphasized the importance of performing with the students' "whole- self." His biggest goal for the students is to do more expressive performances, both musically and visually. In rehearsals, Etten likes to emphasize teamwork and hard work. He hopes if everyone works hard they can create something awesome. During class they do both physical and vocal warms -ups, and they work and build on their skills. Etten also likes to use different kinds of music to appeal to all different tastes and said he thinks it's important for the kids to work with an assortment of styles. He tries to vary rehearsals to keep it interesting. Etten said they have solid numbers and that students learn life -long skills in music and will continue to work hard to keep it going strong. He attributes a lot of the choir program's success to the strong middle school programs. "They have always been strong and kids tend to join things that are good or successful and because that is such a positive experience, they stick with it when they come to high school," Etten said. Choir director at Edgewood Middle School Elizabeth Cummings also works with the freshmen at Irondale and Gengler said believes seeing her familiar face also keeps students in the program once they get to high school. "I can see how it would make the transition easier and less scary," Cummings added. Cummings agrees her students tend to continue on with choir but said they know the high school program is strong. "High school is the next level," she said. "They have competitions and contests and I think the kids know that and want to be part of a good program." She also teaches the Women's Varsity Choir at Irondale and enjoys occasionally team teaching with Etten. She said Etten inspired her to become a choir teacher because she also attended Irondale, was in choir, and loved it. In fact, Etten was her teacher. Her teaching styles somewhat mirror Ettens with the middle school students as well, focusing on variety and involvement. "I want them to enjoy it and I like to hear from them what kinds of music they would like to do," she said. "I want them to leave class humming songs ... to be so involved in what we do." "Jason keeps crediting the middle school programs," Cummings added, "but it goes both ways." Either way, with strong programs in both schools, it's no surprise that music at Irondale hasn't missed a beat