The Marianist Crusader Choir (MCC), under the direction of Christopher Mariano and Laura Flaviani, has collaborated with students from Mercy SF and ICA to form a more improved and diverse musical ensemble.

Mary Ann Datoc, Math Department Chair, is extremely fond of the Crusader Mixed Choir. Blazoning Mariano’s leadership skills, Datoc stated, “Not only does he teach his students to sing,… he’s able to express and give a little history about the songs…”

Though Riordan’s Chorale only performs at school Masses, the mixed choir formed with Mercy and ICA performs at various events outside of school.

John Paul Jacinto ’19 stated that some of these events include “…the Embarcadero Tree Lighting, our benefit concert, and singing for the Archbishop.”

The choir is made up of young men and women in all four grade levels of high school. While the males make up the tenors and bases of the choir, the higher-pitched girls make up the sopranos and altos, according to Henry Matthew Bensurto ’20. Bensurto sees this group as an opportunity for him to grow personally and to help others grow simultaneously.

He said, “It exposes you to more music, more friends, and then just allows you to have something [worthwhile] to do.”

Moreover, Bensurto mentions that there is a plethora of choreography and planning that goes into every song, which is what makes this choir so special.

Jacinto also feels as if he has grown tremendously by being in this ensemble: “Sharing musical talents has always been a mission of mine, and it’s a great opportunity to connect with our sister schools.”

One of the other benefits of this choir is the opportunities it allows for the group as a whole. Bensurto stated, “There are more event opportunities versus last year… This year, we are planning to have more than two events.” Datoc also elucidates her opinion on the purpose of the choir: “The purpose of this club is just to sing; that’s their talent. They love to sing… they like to spread joy and [their] love of music to the community.”

Furthermore, Datoc explained one of the primary goals of the choir for the future: “One of their actual goals is to perform, and maybe hopefully compete in the future when the group gets bigger.”

The group also travels to different places to perform, which exposes them more to the community and allows them to offer their gifts for a greater cause.