McCormick assumes choir directing positions at Costa and MBMS

Screen Shot 2020-09-07 at 12.05.08 PM — New Choir Director Mark McCormick introduces himself to new students as he reveals his new roles for the upcoming school year. McCormick will be assuming directing positions at both Costa and MBMS. Photo Courtesy of Mark McCormick.

By Andonia Goergen

Executive News Editor

Music Theory teacher and Costa’s choir accompanist Mark McCormick accepted multiple directing positions at Costa and Manhattan Beach Middle School for the 2020-2021 school year in the absence of choir directors at both schools.

McCormick accepted the position of Director of Choirs at Costa after former director Michael Hayden retired. McCormick will be taking over all of Costa’s choirs, which includes MC Chorale, Choral Union, Vocal Ensemble, Coterie and Muscle. He previously taught Music Theory at Costa for 13 years before assuming these positions.

“It is not a decision that I take lightly, and it is an enormous responsibility that I accept with humility and a ton of pride,” McCormick said. “There will be some amazing opportunities this year for our singers to connect with one another and explore new ways to make music while we are all physically apart.”

McCormick will also be taking over for MBMS Director of Vocal Music Heather Gold-Pollak after she decided to take the year off to tend to her family. He will be teaching the Sand and Sea Singers and the Ocean Wave Chorale in her absence.

“I really want to thank Mrs. Gold-Pollak for entrusting me this year with the program and students that she has nurtured and loved for so many years and will continue to love while she is away,” McCormick said. “I’ve always said that the students she teaches have such a high level of musicianship and love for music, and that’s a legacy that I wish to uphold.”