An educator by day and a songstress by night, Sarah Cane is more than just a regular English teacher.
When she was just 19 years old, Cane sang with the San Francisco Bay Area Chamber Choir in the Europa Cantat, a prestigious choir festival designed to celebrate unity and the joy of singing. The Bay Area Chamber Choir was the only choir from America invited to participate and they continued to participate for eight years.
Cane has been a member of the Chamber Choir since 1978 and every year her personal connection to music grows stronger.
“I think music is special because it is a way for us to express ourselves in a way that words can’t. Especially the simple melodies, so much beauty is expressed in so little,” said Cane.
Cane decided to pursue her love of music and studied in Hungary for many years. She eventually obtained a degree in music and became classically trained.
After 35 years of singing, not only has Cane’s connection to singing strengthened, but also her connection to the other members of the Chamber Choir.
“Over the years members leave and members join the group, but the bond that you make after singing in such beautiful places is amazing. Being able to share experiences through music strengthens the bond,” said Cane.
Cane recalls one of the most unforgettable moments with her fellow choir members, “I remember one night we were coming home from a performance and  we were crammed into this hot bus and it could have been a miserable ride home. But suddenly, one of the men started singing ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot’ and we all joined in. It was just a really cool moment where we turned a potentially negative moment into a memorable one.”
But by day, Cane is an English teacher who conveys her other passion, teaching, to her students.
Carlmont junior and one of Cane’s students Madison Norman said, “Ms. Cane is always willing to help and work outside of class with us on our essays. She generally cares about making us improve our writing. I think it’s great that she has a love for singing and has continued it for so many years.”
Some students even find her connection to singing relatable and inspiring.
Carlmont junior and another one of Cane’s students Amanda Breslauer said, “I think it’s cool how she is interested in things outside of school just like we are.”
