The Manheim Township music department holds many different groups, but one in particular tends to hold the hearts of the students in the halls— the Troubadours. For those who have gotten to experience the joys and embarrassment of singing valentines, this is that spectacular group of young singers behind them.

The director of this group is Mrs. Samantha Haldeman, who instructs all of the choral groups within our school. The troubadours have been a part of the school since at least the 1990s, while singing valentines have been around for roughly 10 years. Their style is a cappella (like in “Pitch Perfect”), which means that there is no instrumentation, relying solely on vocals in their renditions of popular songs. The group is selective, only taking the top five of each section (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass) of who auditioned, totaling 20 students.

Senior Jackson Cogle describes the group as one that often exhibits positivity.

“We all get to enjoy the opportunity to sing with each other and do what we love,” he said.

The bonds formed from this group are not just for music only. Katelyn Candiello, a 2012 alumni, found that even though the Troubadours are for a finite period, friendships created last a lifetime.

“Even though it’s been a decade since I graduated, I still regularly talk to the people I met,” said Candiello.

Although this group of students are not often seen throughout the school environment, they regularly take time out of their busy schedules to perform for the community through retirement homes, holiday parties and performing for the middle school.

“It’s a privilege to be able to work with so many talented students while bringing a larger sense of community,” said Haldeman.

The Troubs’s next performance will be Singing Valentines. More information about how to purchase Singing Valentines will be available closer to Feb. 14.