Starting the 2025-26 school year Mathew Everdyke steps into the spotlight as Lake Middle/High School’s Choir director and currently Lake’s youngest staff member. While this position definitely comes with a lot of pressure, that does not stop him from bringing the energy. Mr Eversdyke was led to choir because of his musical upbringing with both parents being choir directors at other schools and his involvement in many school music opportunities.
“It’s kind of always been a thing I’ve had the passion for, hopefully you can see it. This is my dream right here,” stated Eversdyke.
Students confirm that you can see the amount of love he has for his work in his teaching style.
“Mr. E often references his education and creates funny phrases to help us memorize songs. He is also very good at making sure we know what we are doing and that he listens to all of his students individually,” a mixed statement from Teagan McMahon and Ellie Todd.
Mr. Everdyke has expressed that the further we get in the year the more both his middle and high school students are starting to become more comfortable with him as a teacher and he’s working hard to make sure he’s able to adapt and do the best for his students.
“Each choir is so different… each one has their own niche little things that I really try to focus on so we can work and make the music we want to make,” Eversdyke expressed.
Following the previous Lake legend, Mrs. Deb Borsdo, many people had concerns about how the choir as a whole would change under new leadership and if the school would struggle. However, Mr. Eversdyke has his unique plan in place for the future.
“The one thing I told even the administrators when I was applying for the job and when I got the job was that I am unapologetically me! …naturally I’m going to do different things and that’s not necessarily a good or bad thing, it’s just different. I’ve said to almost every choir now, I’m gonna be me, You’re gonna be you, that’s all we can do,” Eversdyke states.
Mr. Eversdyke is keeping some traditions the same but he is also pushing his students to try something new and plans to create new traditions as the year progresses in hopes of creating a stronger connection between not only the choirs but the school as well. For example, the High School choirs are all learning the Lake alma mater which he has communicated in his classes he wants to use to unify the choirs and the future alumni who return for performances. He is opening the high school choirs to new opportunities such as large group competitions and encouraging participation in events like solo and ensemble. He hopes his classes will get excited to try new experiences.
He has also addressed his take on the school musical.
“I didn’t want to preplan a musical that I didn’t know would be successful and enjoyable for the students I have. I didn’t know where we were coming from yet. But I will say it’s coming soon. Now there are ideas in the works,” Eversdyke stated.
Mr Eversdyke currently leaves the spring musical status at stay tuned!
Listen for auditions coming sometime in the winter.
Mr Eversdyke is coming into the Lake community with passion and hopes for an amazing future at this school for both him and his students.
