I’ve been a member of my school’s choir for each of the six semesters that I’ve been there. During that time, I’ve learned so much more than just how to read the notes on a page. Whether it be from my choir director, friends I’ve made through choir, or choir-related experiences I’ve had, both inside and outside of the classroom, being in a choir has taught me more than practically any of my other classes.

1. Choir directors are persistent.

2. It’s important to own a nice pair of comfortable black dress shoes.

3. Professors are people too.

4. Music history professors will dress up as the musicians that they teach about for Halloween.

5. There are more churches in one city than you thought was possible.

6. Churches are absolutely beautiful. It might not seem like it by looking at the church you go to every Sunday, but there really are some absolutely beautiful churches.

7. A multitude of subjects, including history, math, biology, physics, English, religion, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Russian, and Latin.

8. All Latin pieces sound the same.

9. You will inevitably sing at least one African piece every year.

10. Anvils are fun.

11. Choir tours can also be fun, but they can also make you hate your life for a week.

12. Some busses have outlets.

13. Not all choir kids should try to sing “Let it Go.”

14. Seriously. If you’re at all questioning your ability, don’t do it.

15. Beaches aren’t always warm.

16. Directions are hard. Especially if you’re trying to navigate yourself and three other college students through the streets of Savannah, Ga.

17. Alligator actually tastes pretty good.

18. Tenors are fun to date, but you should always marry a bass.

19. Altos give the best hugs. I’m pretty sure there is a scientific study showing this somewhere.

20. Basses and baritones are tied for second-best hugs.

21. Never pick a fight with a softball player, especially a pitcher. They can really throw a punch.

22. They also give the best back rubs.

23. Everyone needs someone in their life who doesn’t sugar coat things and isn’t afraid to call you on your bullshit.

24. Band and choir kids get really competitive about kickball. More so than you would think.

25. The people that you meet in choir will become some of your closest friends. Unfortunately, that makes it really sad if they’re older than you and graduate before you.

26.It’s not rocket surgery.

27. Have fun!