Senior Spotlight: Lago makes sweet music during evolutionary career

Myrah Lago makes magical music, and her pipes have been recognized in recent years. From an honorable state performance, to the start of the Madrigals season and the yearly musical, Lago’s name resonates with harmonies heard and unheard. Her most recent performance was a part of the Wisconsin State Music Association (WSMA)

“People all over the state audition to either be in the treble choir, mixed choir, jazz ensemble, orchestra,” Lago said. “I was in the Treble Choir this year.” 

Being a state group, the WSMA requires a rigorous audition process that every musician has to go through in order to participate.

“Every year, you audition and you can get placed in a different position or not get placed at all,” Lago said. “Around 1,000 students audition to get into the choir and only 140 get in.” 

After auditioning and getting in, each member must attend an intensive rehearsal process at a camp at UW Green Bay. 

“We had rehearsal every single day for six to nine hours a day, and over the summer we had to continue to learn the music,” Lago said. “Then we performed it in October in the Overture Center in Madison.” 

Lago performed a solo in the last song of the performance, providing a grand finale. 

“I had a solo in our last piece at the very end,” she said. “It was really nerve-racking, but I got up on stage, and it just happened. Performing in that space was crazy.”  

The WSMA performance is  just the tip of the iceberg for Lago’s accomplishments. She also participates in other choirs, some that take her to new experiences outside the state.

“Badger State Girl Choir is another choir you audition to get into,” she said. “It's based in Neenah with director Kevin Meidl, and I’ve been a part of that choir for five years now. It’s during the school year, and every other year we go on an international trip to perform. Last year, we went to Hawaii.”

Despite her out-of-county performances, Lago’s roots belong to the choir department. 

“Being in choir at West is something I like being a part of, not just for the educational aspect, but being there with all of my friends,” she said. “The environment in that classroom is really safe.”

Lago enjoys performing with peers in school activities. 

“I’ve been in Madrigals for three years,” she said. “I’ve been in musicals all four years of high school. Freshman year I was in Sister Act and was a part of the Nun’s chorus and an understudy for Sister Mary Roberts. Sophomore year I was in Musical Theatre Workshop, and I was in six numbers. And last year, in 9-5, I was casted as the lead Doralee Rhodes. Then this year is The Spongebob Musical, which I’m casted in the ensemble and the understudy for Sandy.”

For Lago, participating in these activities has brought her out of her shell. However, the biggest influence is choir director, Bethany Meyer, who she’s known for a total of six years.

“She’s a very outgoing person and an amazing teacher,” she said. “When I first started choir, I was so shy. I would just kinda sit there, and I wouldn’t really open up to Mrs. Meyer. But she cast me as the lead and having to channel Doralee Rhoads’ character has brought me out of my shell. She’s just really someone I’m gonna miss and someone I’ll always look up to.”

Meyer is always amazed by Lago’s exponential growth. 

“I’ve known Myrah for six years and worked with her for four here at West,” she said. “I worked with her a little bit in middle school, and I've seen her blossom as a musician and as a human. Last year was really a turning point for her when she got the lead of Doralee Rhoads in 9-5, where I spent a lot of time trying to get her out of her shell.”

This lead was a spark for Lago as Meyer could see her true self during and after the performance. 

“I would always say to her: ‘I wanna see the Myrah that's the Myrah with her friends, not the working hard at school Myrah,” she said. 

For Meyer, the senior’s drive and passion set her apart from the rest, which is ultimately setting her up for a successful life after school.

“The work ethic of that kid, I wish I could duplicate 100 times over,” she said. “When she has down-time she’s practicing, she’s in my room all day long, she has two of my classes, and then she’s with me two other hours of the day. When she doesn’t have class, she is working on her music.”

Lago’s work ethic is the core of her accomplishments, something that Meyer hopes she hangs on to. 

“I keep telling her that she is where she is because of the work she puts in,” she said. “It’s not just about talent, it’s about the work that gets behind it. If she continues to work and believe in herself she can do anything.”

Lago’s accomplishments as a singer and student have led to long-lasting friendships and endless inspiration for younger musicians of the community to look up to.

“Keep up trying in choir,” she said. “The one thing I will remember from high school will be being in all of the productions and that all of the people in that environment are amazing. You will find people in the choir that you’ll stick with and you’ll be able to open up to. We have a great director and amazing people. It’s just so much fun.”

By RIn Fox and Anika Flores

November 28 2022

Oshkosh West Index Volume 119 Issue III