NEWBURYPORT — Evan Lagueux has been around musicians and music his whole life. The Newburyport High School senior said that experience served him well over the weekend when he made the cut to sing in Massachusetts Music Educators Association’s all-state chorus concert for the second year in a row.
“This is a huge honor and making it twice shows I’m committed,” he said.
On Saturday, Lagueux auditioned for the chorus at Shrewsbury High School, where he sang a compilation of classical choral music. He also had to sight read a song, as well as belt out a scale.
His ticket punched, NHS chorus teacher Risa Kapp Annicchiarico said the 17-year-old will sing in the all-state chorus at Boston’s Symphony Hall on March 29.
“Evan is just dead-on, all the time,” Annicchiarico said. “He’s a leader among his peers and great at reading music. Really strong male singers are hard to find at around his age. I’m very proud.”
Last year, Lagueux made the all-state chorus cut to sing at Symphony Hall as well. He said it was a phenomenal experience working with other singers his age.
“It’s so fun to be around other people who are so into music like you are,” he said. “The music itself sounds incredible, with all of the best singers in the state.”
Since he can remember, Lagueux has been singing.
“I’ve been in choirs from elementary school, all the way up to now,” he said.
He has also been playing violin since he was 4-years old. Currently, Lagueux plays with Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras.
“I’ve always loved music, performing and listening to it,” he said. “It’s a huge part of my life.”
The young man also hails from a family of musicians.
His mother, Emily Russin has been singing in choirs for decades. His uncles, Ned and Bob Russin are part of the rock band Title Fight, while another uncle, Harry Russin works as a church music director.
Although he hopes to study sports management in college next year, Lagueux said he intends to keep singing away.
“For me, it’s about deciding what part of my life I want to keep it as,” he said. “Do I want to keep it as a huge part of my life or something on the side?”
Lagueux, according to Annicchiarico, is a “very humble” student who has been a pleasure to teach.
“There’s no pretentiousness there,” she said. “He involves everybody and is a team player. Frankly, I don’t know what I’m going to do without him next year.”
The current school year is the first where Annicchiarico has been teaching chorus at the high school. Each class takes place after school, so the students can’t take part in athletics.
“I’m really hoping we can change that,” she said. “But, that being said, we’re up to about 22 kids and they are really, really strong, talented and hard-working.”
Staff writer Jim Sullivan covers Newburyport for The Daily News. He can be reached via email at jsullivan@newburyportnews.com or by phone at 978-961-3145. Follow him on Twitter @ndnsully.