Jesuit’s new Director of Choral Music Mr. David Vanderbout values a positive attitude, believing that a mindset directed toward growth translates to success.

“We have a saying here in the choir program called ‘attitude is everything,’” Mr. Vanderbout said. “And if you come in with that [positive] attitude everyday – that we only will improve – that’s how you get to the heights.”

Choir Vice President and Chamber Choir singer Phoenix Ray ’24 appreciates how the experience Mr. Vanderbout brings as a director helps develop the program.

“Mr. Vanderbout is focused on us singing the song more beautifully and with better technique,” Phoenix said. “He wants us to improve. When he’s teaching us these things, he knows what it feels like [and] he knows how we may struggle.”

Being a few months into the job, Mr. Vanderbout is already nurturing the growth of the remarkable choir program at Jesuit.

“My goal is for our choral program to be at the same level as our wonderful athletic programs,” Mr. Vanderbout said. “There’s no reason Jesuit shouldn’t be equally known for our choral program.”

Ultimately, doing what’s best for the students is at the core of what teachers do, and Mr. Vanderbout aims to work with other teachers to accomplish just that.

“I’m sure [other teachers and I] will collaborate and share great ideas, borrow great ideas to do better for our students,” Mr. Vanderbout said. “That’s really what we’re here for.”

Concert and Chamber Choir singer Evan Pettibone ’24 is excited to see what Mr. Vanderbout does with the choir program moving forward.

“I’m just interested to see how he handles it in the future,” Evan said. “I can already tell he’s going to make some serious changes.”

Mr. Vanderbout is dedicated to developing upon the successful choir program and his presence will remain a guiding force as the choir moves forward and improves together.