The voice of  the new Choir Director Matthew Begale has been echoing throughout the basement halls; his vibrant energy brings a unique enthusiasm to each Choir class as he hopes to enhance the choral community and give back to his students by communicating valuable life lessons that he learned through his own musical experience.

He strives to shape a mutual vision for this year with his students and not only inspire a love for Choir, but encourage students to love and embrace their true selves through music.

Here are 10 questions The Forest Scout asked so that the community can better get to know Mr. Begale: 

1. How did you become interested in music? How does it impact your life? 

“It became a thing for me in Middle School where I wanted to do it all of the time. I would play a lot of piano to get through tough times in seventh grade, and it was a good way of getting through it and reflecting on everything, and that is when I knew I fell in love with it. Music lets me process life and think through things that are hard for me to speak out loud, and it gave me so much in terms of what it taught me and what I value in life. I wanted students to have those same self-growth opportunities, and learn to own who you truly are as a person.” 

2. At what point in your life did you realize that you wanted to become a Choir Teacher? 

“There are two. My All State Choir experience was one of them, and there was a conductor who made me feel empowered, and I just remember thinking that I want to give that to other kids. The other time was when I student taught for a Masters in Performance and realized that I wanted to interact with kids and have conversation, and give back the music.” 

3. What is your go-to snack? 

“Popcorn! With butter and salt and pepper all the way.” 

4. What is a piece of art that speaks to your spirit or personality? 

“Architecture and design. Good design and good lines with a long-lasting appeal.” 

5. How do you hope to impact the LFHS Choir Program? What goals do you have for this year? 

“Right now, I just want to meet them where they’re at. We have to understand who we all are and the community we want to build before we can shape our goals.