But even though they’re alone in their rooms, singing still brings them joy. “It’s a form of expression,” Van says. “As a singer and a vocalist, you can use your voice in different ways and put in certain nuances and sing in different ways to make people feel different things. It’s a really powerful tool to express yourself.”

Ashleigh says that she loves the group aspect of singing and appreciates “being able to learn from other people and then take what you learn and implement it into your own voice.”

Students say that “Mr. T'' always dedicates class time to make sure his students’ social-emotional well-being is addressed. They take time to talk about their struggles and what the students are going through on a daily basis.

He says his students have finally adjusted, but it wasn’t easy. Ashleigh confirms “the classroom is really just a safe space.”

“As a choir director he’s really knowledgeable and really committed to making us the best we can be,” Van said of Taylor. Normally shy and quiet, Van says that performing in virtual choir has helped him find confidence as a singer and musician. “Being alone and creating alone” helped him realize that.

Ashleigh has also found a sense of self-worth. She says the pandemic and having to social distance forced her to “mature early.”

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is it’s okay to be by yourself. It’s been a really great learning experience,” she said.

In December, the choir held a virtual concert that raised money for SafeHouse Denver, an organization that helps domestic violence survivors and their children. You can watch the full show below.

Van describes his teacher by saying “he’s really amazing at hearing and listening to his students and understanding that we’re all going through a really hard time right now and it’s making choir in a pandemic a lot easier to go through.”

Taylor’s interest in his students’ wellbeing is palpable, and he envisages a future where they can all be singing together. But it’s going to take some work.

"I feel like we need to have a goal...a city-wide and nationwide goal... and the goal is to get the seniors back in school,” he says. It could happen in February or even April, he says, but for it to happen, everyone needs to take the pandemic seriously and wear a mask.

Until then, choir students across the city will be singing alone on mute.

Editor's note: One of the students featured in this story is the author's daughter