The Black and White

By: Bridget Pouliot

When the students in the Pilgrim Chorus were told they would have a student teacher, the reviews were mixed. Many of them had experienced practicum before, which had its ups and its downs. But a student teacher? Chorus hadn’t had one of those in a while.

Well, the reviews are in! After almost eight weeks with their student teacher, many of them can’t imagine having chorus class without him. From the engaging warm ups to the sound of Christmas bopping through the auditorium, Mr. Michael Fayton, a Music Education student at Rhode Island College (as well as a Pilgrim Chorus favorite from the Fall 2024 practicum class), has brought a new spirit to the choral program.

“He is such a quick study and most times it feels like we are just collaborating as colleagues for the benefit of the students planning and scaffolding educational objectives,” Mrs. Soares explained. She detailed how, when she worked with him in practicum, she knew he would be an “excellent fit” for the program. “It’s also just super fun having someone to ‘nerd out’ on choral music with!”

Mr. Fayton started with the Pilgrim Chorus on October 27th, and he will be their student teacher until this Friday, December 12th. Pilgrim freshman Scarlette Gagne reflected on her favorite memory with Mr. Fayton: a game he taught them in his third or fourth week. For the game, the students had to close their eyes and count up from one to the highest number they could. However, they didn’t know who’d say a number next, and if two people said one at the same time, it was back to the beginning. She described how her class was trying to beat another class’s high score; 36, saying, “the whole class then took it very serious[ly]. You would hear “nine” to your left, then “ten” to your right, which was crazy.” She explained how Mr. Fayton’s warm up helped them learn to trust each other: “It made the group seem like more of a whole; working together to get the same goal, just like in chorus when we all work together to sing our hearts out each song.”

Not only has his enthusiasm created a safe and excited environment for students, but his presence and talent vocally has propelled many of the students’ technique exponentially. Mrs. Soares described how the male students in chorus are “hearing how to make a clear and beautiful tone based on his vocal model. The tenors and basses have already become more confident on their part!”

As for Mr. Fayton, he recounted how his first week was a “whirlwind”. “When I found out I was student teaching at Pilgrim, my first thought was how incredibly grateful I was to be accepted into this program. As a former student of the Warwick school system, I was so excited to take on this responsibility and ultimately see the growth that I know every student can achieve,” he expressed. “This was kind of a full circle moment of being able to teach in the town I grew up in.”

The annual chorus concert is on Thursday, December 11th. One of the parts the students are looking forward to the most is Mr. Fayton’s song. He will be conducting “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas”, arranged by Mac Huff, in the chorus section of the concert. A joyful and fun choral twist on a beloved Christmas classic, the ensemble is excited to show how much they’ve learned with their student teacher.

“I think Mr Fayton is the perfect choice for the student teacher, due to his dedication and his love for music,” senior Sam Norcini expressed. “He shows such passion for teaching as well which helps with us learning new pieces of music. After working with him over the summer at the MIRIC camp, being a bass and working with him for most of the time, it really showed how amazing his teaching abilities are.”

Come watch and listen to Mr. Fayton and the Pilgrim Chorus in action at the Pilgrim Chorus and Chorale 2025 Winter Concert on Thursday the 11th! He is bringing cheer to the stage just as he has brought cheer to the classes, and the Pilgrim Chorus has been so lucky to have gotten the opportunity to work with him.

“I am so proud of all the hard work these students are doing. It’s not easy taking direction from an unfamiliar face, but I am happy that I am getting buy-in and trust from all the chorus peeps,” Mr. Fayton expressed. “Pilgrim students are the BEST. You all inspire me to be a better educator and human… I am hoping that you can all see your incredible potential, because I hear it everyday when standing in front of you.” As a final message for the students he taught, he stated, “I hope you all have fun in chorus and continue to be leaders, not only in this class, but all other aspects of your life. You are all incredible and if I can provide just one last bit of thought – you are only this age once. Live it up! Be the best person you can be each day. Say hi to others and always choose kindness. This world needs more people like you.”