The week of Valentine’s Day is sophomore JD Emeg’s favorite time of the year. Not because there’s always a half day involved, (although that is definitely a benefit), but because it is when the Troubadours go around to classes with singing valentines. Manheim Township’s acapella group meets together on their own time to create a list of about 10 arrangements, typically love songs. Students can then buy these singing valentines for a reasonable price and send them to their friends to bring about some Valentine’s Day spirit. 

Junior Luke Welch compares this tradition to candy valentines, except with songs. These singing valentines are something all students can enjoy. While the student being sung to is embarrassed in the moment, it is something that even they can laugh about afterwards.

Even most of the teachers end up having a good time on this day. While some teachers disliked the singing valentines because it could take away from class time, the Troubadours did a good job at spreading out the valentines to different periods, and the teachers usually enjoyed the festivities just as much as the students. 

“They are a really fun way to show someone you care and also to showcase the vocal talents of our students,” says Amber Biddle, a math teacher at Manheim Township High School. “I look forward to hearing their rendition of classic love songs and to see how they perform each in their own unique way.”

Typically, the money raised from the singing valentines goes towards the Manheim Township Music Association (MTMA). Last year, the Troubadours raised $1,700. However, the money went towards Manheim Township’s newly founded Tri-M chapter, a club that works towards spreading the joy of music throughout the community. 

Sadly, Manheim Township’s fun tradition of singing valentines was not possible this year due to COVID-19. While so many activities have been able to continue with some adaptations, like chorus concerts, orchestra performances, and even sports, singing valentines during the pandemic wasn’t feasible. 

“I think singing valentines was just something that the value of it was so much in the moment, live, that doing a recording and just sending it out wasn’t the same,” says Junior Ayush Iyer. 

The other Troubadours feel similarly, and they collectively made a decision that they wouldn’t do the singing valentines this year. Many of the Troubadours and students alike were disappointed by this news. It’s a time that everyone looks forward to, a day where music is spread and school morale increases. But the Troubadours understand why the precautions are necessary, and look forward to doing it next year.