San Dimas’ very own female ensemble, Bel Canto, shared magnificent music and memories at the SCVA Choir Festival on March 11th, 2026, featuring inspiring music that celebrates the importance of Women’s History Month. Their set list was unique from the other choirs’, focusing on prevalent topics such as empowerment, overcoming insecurities, and fulfilling hopes and dreams, and all relate to the struggles women still face today. Along with director Jared Pugh and piano accompanist Audrey Jiang, the all-female choir filled the Bonita Center for the Arts with determination and power for Women’s History Month.
This event featured single-gender choirs such as San Dimas’ very own Bel Canto choir, rival school Bonita High School’s Female and Male Ensembles, and many other male and female choirs across Southern California. Choirs flocked from areas such as Riverside to participate in this joyful event. From cultural music to beautiful ballads, each choir had a story to tell. Bel Canto did an especially amazing job by setting an example for female singers, from local to worldwide.
Bel Canto shared incredible choral pieces during the festival, including “What Happens When A Woman Takes Power” by Alexandra Olsavsky, “truth” by Andrea Ramsey, and “Dum Spiro Spero” by Daniel Brinsmead. These pieces were also shared at San Dimas High School’s Spring Choir Concert. “What Happens” is a body percussion piece that raises the question of the possibility of a female-led world. “Truth”, with its soothing folk drums and fable-like storytelling involving nature, addresses the insecurities that women face to this day, reminding young girls especially that they are beautiful. “Dum Spiro Spero”, although not explicitly women’s empowerment, emphasizes the importance of hope during dark times through fiery piano accompanists and shifting dynamics. Bel Canto’s set list differed from the other choirs’, reinforcing the female mind and heart as a means of sharing beautiful music. This sets the stage for Women’s History Month, a time of the year that celebrates the achievements and hardships women have faced throughout history. Bel Canto embraces this history to the fullest, making them a memorable ensemble.
To the singers, these songs highlight very unique experiences. Sophomore Karina Camera exemplifies the set list in relation to society, mentioning that “We went through a lot for women’s history.” In relation to women’s empowerment, the songs feature upbringings that have negatively impacted women. “[We were] Trying to have the right to vote, trying to have equal pay, trying to meet up to men’s upbringing…” says sophomore Camera. This set list is her favorite because of the messages behind each piece.
Sophomore Stephanie Ma also expresses her love for the set list, particularly “Dum Spiro Spero.” She elaborates on the fun of singing in other languages, mentioning that “It’s a learning process. The dynamics of it [are] really cool. I like the flow of the song.” This particular piece is sung to uplift others, a perfect addition to the empowerment agenda.
These songs are composed to inspire and uplift, shaping each woman into a confident, powerful being. Not only do these pieces of music convey the ongoing prejudices and flaws that our society faces today, but they also embrace individuality and creativity. Reflecting on this year’s Women’s History Month, it’s important to remember the amazing feats women have achieved.
