Firouz

Yesterday’s Morning Ex was a preview of the Holiday Concert featuring Lower, Middle and Upper Schools performing selections from this evening’s full concert program. The song selection and the singing were at a very high level. Hearing our students perform and getting a sense of the progression and growth that occurs from Lower to Middle to Upper School was very compelling.

Following the Upper School’s performance, Middle and Upper School Chorus Director Michael Querio called the Lower and Middle School choruses back for the finale. As students made their way on stage, a member of the Upper School chorus, 11th grader Firouz Niazi, walked to the front of the stage and waited patiently for the entire group to assemble. Firouz was poised and comfortable, and his presence alerted the audience he would have a special role, perhaps a solo. Mr. Querio introduced the song I Sing Out, and encouraged the audience to listen—really listen—to the words, pointing out that the lyrics are a metaphor for the power of each individual’s own voice. Then, in a very light-hearted way, he said the song featured a solo from “Firouz, who we all know, have been waiting for and can’t live without.” Everyone laughed, Firouz smiled modestly and the stage became quiet.

As the music started, all on stage seemed eager and focused, and then Firouz sang—he was remarkable. After completing his part, he took his place with the other members of the Upper School chorus. The song, the sound, the energy and the spirit were all touching.

Interestingly, yesterday morning wasn’t the first time I have heard Firouz sing a solo. In fact, as he sang so beautifully, I couldn’t help but remember sitting in on one of Michael Querio’s Middle School chorus classes four of five years ago. As the class ended, Michael reminded those who wanted to audition for solo parts in an upcoming concert to stay after class. Four or five students stayed; one was Firouz.

I remember marveling at the mix of eagerness, hesitancy and confidence displayed by those Middle School students. Each one stood by the piano all alone. Mr. Querio played as they all sang with great earnestness. Some were good, some OK. Mr. Querio guided and encouraged each one, and then thanked all who tried out. As the students left, he asked Firouz to stay. I then witnessed a conversation I still remember.

It went something like this: “Firouz, thanks for trying, you’re getting better. Your voice is changing, though, so it will be a while before you are ready for a solo. Don’t be discouraged, keep working.”

Firouz’s face fell and his response was something like, “Are you sure? I really wanted a solo part. Yeah, I know you are right, though. I had a hard time with the high part. Hopefully, next time.”

I know there have been many “next times” for Firouz—and for all our students. As many know, one of the things I value about schools and, more specifically, North Shore is how well we do “next times.” We do them often, we make them count, we provide multiple chances and we guide our students to aspire to reach new levels, to believe in themselves, to keep trying, to learn to excel and to give their very best.

Firouz’s very best yesterday morning was awfully good. I was truly moved.

Credit goes to “next times,” to teachers like Mr. Querio, to our students, and most of all—Firouz.

North Shore Country Day School is a private, college-prep school for high school, middle school and elementary school students in Winnetka, IL, a suburb of Chicago.