Payten Davis is a part of Knight Sound, Bella Voces, Concert Choir and Aurora Treble Choir. She was accepted into William Jewell College in hopes to be a collegiate choral conductor. The first step of applying was your typical college application and then she had to fill out a talent application.

“I want to be a collegiate choral conductor and I am going to get a doctorate in choral conducting,” Davis said. 

Choir Director Jennifer Oncken has been a mentor to Davis. The relationship Davis has with her has not only helped her as a student but as a future educator. Davis has learned from not only others but herself as well. 

“There is nothing quite like being able to spend the majority of your time with like minded people and learn through their passion and discipline,” Oncken said. “As musicians we are all a mixture of people that we have worked with.”

Davis hopes to bring joy to others with not just the sound of music but the friendships it brings you and the bonds you build with other people. Music has helped her through her high school career and has given her a reason to expand the knowledge that was shared with her when she first walked into the choir rooms doors. 

“You will find your people. That was my biggest worry going into high school. But the second I joined choir I found my people and they accepted me with open arms. It doesn’t have to be a choir or drama,” Davis said.