Her Entire High School Music Program Was Destroyed By A Fire, And They Lost Hundreds Of Instruments

Lost_in_the_Midwest - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only
Lost_in_the_Midwest - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only

On the morning of Friday, April 21st, there was a large fire at Highland High School in Pocatello, Idaho.

The fire was eventually ruled as an accident caused by faulty electrical equipment, and unfortunately, it certainly did some damage.

Thankfully, no students, faculty, or staff were injured in the fire, but it did destroy an entire wing of the high school.

It was the school’s D-wing, which contained the cafeteria, gymnasium, band, and choir rooms.

After the Pocatello Fire Department tamed the fire, it was discovered that the D-wing had severe structural damage, which included a collapsed roof.

Thankfully, fire doors in the school prevented the flames from spreading to other parts of the building, but Highland High School students, who have been moved to remote learning, are feeling the effects of losing their music department. 

Christina McIntire is the mother of one of Highland High School’s show choir members and captured a moment between the choir and their beloved director that proves how music can be a powerful way to give people hope after tragedy strikes. 

Days after the fire forced the students out of school, Highland High School choir students gathered together to surprise their choir director, Bret Scherer, with a heartfelt performance of the choral song “You Do Not Walk Alone” by Elaine Hagenberg.

Mr. Scherer can be seen in Christina’s video watching his students in awe as they tearfully sing, “When times are hard, may hardness never turn your heart to stone,” before they all engage in a sweet group hug. 

Lost_in_the_Midwest – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only

After Christina’s video gained the attention of over 200,000 viewers on TikTok, she created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the rebuilding of Highland High School’s music department. 

“Everything was lost,” writes Christina on the GoFundMe page. 

“Hundreds of instruments, thousands of pieces of sheet music, uniforms, costumes, microphone systems, as well as countless personal items. Material things were lost, but also these students’ sanctuary, their safe place.”

The video struck a nerve with TikTok viewers who are music lovers and former choir students, many of whom remember having to learn remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and not being able to sing with their fellow students in-person one last time. 

“As a choir kid who found safety in music and theater, I want everyone to see this,” wrote one TikTok user. 

Our hearts go out to all the students, faculty, parents, and staff of Highland High School.

@notsohotmammaof7

With five weeks left of school-an early morning fire destroys entire wing of the high school. Back to virtual learning. #fyp #highlandhighschool #highlandrams #highschoolfire #showchoir #ramstrong????? #virtuallearning

? original sound – ChrisMc

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