After years of building harmonies and shaping young voices, Mrs. Newbury is preparing to leave the Pasco High choir room-just as the program she’s devoted her life to stands on the brink of silence.

Wendy Newbury, the beloved choir teacher of 11 years here at Pasco High, is set to leave at the end of the school year. With this, the choir program is in jeopardy. With just one month left, the students and staff are coming to terms with her departure as she prepares to transfer to Sageview High School, where she’s been handpicked to lead their newly established choir program. Sageview wanted the best, and they chose Mrs. Newbury, an educator known for her dedication, talent, and ability to inspire young singers. Now, questions loom over what’s next for the current choir and whether the music will continue after her exit.

Among the many students impacted by Mrs. Newbury’s upcoming departure is Silence Coolidge (11th grade), a member of the advanced treble choir class. According to Coolidge, Mrs. Newbury is a really kind and helpful teacher and is good at what she does. She’s been able to help Silence become more confident in her vocals, and with that, Newbury has been able to label Silence as “The Most Powerful Alto.” Mrs. Newbury is going to be missed by Silence, with her expressive attitude and helpful guidance. From the time spent with Mrs. Newbury, Silence’s favorite recent memory will be Mrs. Newbury being a part of the USC Mental Health ice bucket challenge.

Special words from Silence to future choirs: “I hope they do well, I hope they can continue to be as good as we are now and thrive as if she were still here.”

Another student closely connected to Mrs. Newbury is Xochitl Magana (11th grade), who is a part of both the Jazz and Chamber choir classes. Xochitl describes Mrs. Newbury as “a very influential teacher” who pushes her students to succeed.

She adds, “Newbury can be very stern at times, but it’s a good thing because she enforces a strong work ethic in us and motivates us to do our best.”

With Mrs. Newbury’s teaching, she’s helped Xochitl to push herself to dedicate herself to something she wants to succeed at. It is said that she can sometimes be a little passive-aggressive, but in a good way that made her students laugh, her patience with the students will be a part of what Xochitl will miss about Mrs. Newbury. Many things will be missed and many memories that will stick with Xochitl, but the memory that will be thought of the most is all the times spent working on her solos.

Special words from Xochitl to upcoming classes and Newbury: “Just be brave. This room isn’t for shy people. This is a room for people who are ready to be confident, and even if you are shy, this is a room where you can find that confidence. So, expect the most out of this room, you’re gonna make tons of memories, and you’re gonna have a lot of fun in this room. To Newbury, I’ve known you for so long, and you are going to be missed severely by me.”

Yessica Espinoza (11th grade), who participates in the Jazz and Chamber choir here at Pasco High, speaks highly of Newbury, describing her as “a really kind and caring teacher.” Yessica has become more and more confident with her vocals in her years with Mrs. Newbury and has acknowledged that no matter the type of singer you are, Mrs. Newbury will always be there to help you improve. It’s hard to explain one specific thing that will be missed about Newbury, because to Yessica, Mrs. Newbury was nothing but a great mentor. Everything about Newbury will be missed. One memory that Yessica was able to describe as the memory of Newbury is the time she had gone to Silverwood with her choir class her freshman year and had a blast seeing Mrs. Newbury scared to experience the rides, but was able to convince her anyway.

Special words from Yessica to Newbury and the future choir programs: “To Newbury, I wanna say, thank you for being the best person you possibly can, and I really appreciate everything you do for us and all the hardships you had to go through to get us to shine. And to all the choirs, just keep singing and don’t let anything destroy your love for singing.”

With Mrs. Newbury’s departure just a month away, uncertainty surrounds the future of the choir program she has poured her heart into. Students wonder if the same level of care, excellence, and community will remain after she’s gone. While nothing is guaranteed, one thing is clear: her impact will be felt long after the final note is sung. Her room has been more than just a place for music; it’s been a safe space, a second home, and a source of purpose for countless students.

As the school year draws close, so does an era marked by harmony, growth, and unwavering support. Mrs. Newbury didn’t just teach music, she taught courage, unity, and self-worth. For many, her departure feels like losing the heart of the program, a mentor who saw potential in every student and refused to let it go unheard. Her legacy won’t be found only in performances or trophies, but in the confidence she planted in students who now know their voices matter.

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of something bigger than yourself, to find your voice, your people, and a place where you are truly accepted, the choir is waiting for you. No matter your background or experience, there’s a spot for you in the music room. Sign up, step in, and be a part of a family where every voice is valued and every story is heard.