From Students to Leaders
When Gabriel Mendez and Ariana Cruz first attended Seraphic Fire’s High School Professional Choral Institute (HSPCI), they never imagined that one day they would lead a choir of their own. Yet only a year later, the two young musicians founded Aurora Vocis, a student-led community choir in Doral, Florida, that brings together high school and college students united by their love of choral music. Their story captures the spirit of Seraphic Fire’s education programs: inspiring the next generation of artists, leaders, and change-makers through music.
Gabriel, who now serves as Artistic Director of Aurora Vocis, recalls how deeply HSPCI shaped his path. “The entire workshop left me with a new perspective on my own life,” he said. “Witnessing the passion behind the conductors’ movements made me realize I wanted to pursue a career in the field.” His partner, Ariana, serves as Project Director. She shared that watching Gabriel grow as a leader through HSPCI inspired her to help create a space where other young singers could experience that same sense of connection and purpose.
Their collaborative pianist, Diego Peña, also a Seraphic Fire HSPCI alum, joined soon after. Together, the trio built Aurora Vocis as a place where young people could sing, lead, and learn side by side. Reflecting on his own experience, Diego shared, “Patrick Quigley influenced me a lot in the Seraphic Fire HSPCI by showing me that music has so many layers that the conductor can reveal. His nuances and details really ignited a passion in me for collaborative piano because I get to be a layer in a musical ‘cake’ as well.”
Building a Community Through Music
Aurora Vocis began with a simple idea: that young singers deserve opportunities to lead and collaborate while exploring high-level repertoire. Ariana explained, “We wanted to create a welcoming, supportive environment where musicians of all experience levels could sing, grow, and connect through music.”
Through word of mouth, the group quickly grew. Students from events like FMEA All-State and the HSPCI program joined, and after several trial rehearsals, the ensemble found its home at South Florida International College. The energy was electric from the start. “We had overwhelming support from friends,” Gabriel said. “We wanted to bring an enthusiastic attitude toward choral music to more of our peers.”
Their first public recital, “The Dawn of the Voice,” took place on August 30, 2025, and ended with a standing ovation. Ariana remembers looking out at a packed audience and feeling the weight of what they had accomplished. “Seeing the audience filled with people who came to support us made all my self-doubt disappear,” she said. “I realized that what we had built was truly meaningful. It brought people together and made a difference in our community.”
The feedback was extraordinary. Audience members were amazed to learn that the ensemble was entirely run by high school and college students. Many shared how inspired they were by the group’s teamwork and commitment. “Our audience was moved by the way our members were engaged in the music,” Gabriel said. “They could see how much camaraderie and passion we shared as young musicians.”
Inspiring the Future of Choral Leadership
What sets Aurora Vocis apart is its emphasis on student leadership. Every member is encouraged to contribute ideas, take initiative, and help manage the artistic and administrative aspects of the choir. Ariana believes that giving young people ownership over their work fosters confidence and collaboration. “Leadership within a choir allows students to take ownership of their work and feel truly invested in what they’re creating together,” she said.
The ensemble’s mission echoes that of Seraphic Fire’s own: to present the highest quality performances of historically significant and underperformed music while promoting community connectivity through education. For Aurora Vocis, that means providing a supportive space for young artists to learn and lead while building a stronger arts community in South Florida.
Looking ahead, the group is already planning its Student Composers Concert, which will feature original works by emerging composers, some of which may be professionally recorded. They also hope to expand membership, create new leadership roles, and invite professional musicians to share their experiences in rehearsal settings.
For Gabriel, the goal is clear. “If more students have leadership roles in choirs such as ours, we keep the art form alive,” he said. “If others see the impact that choral music has on the youth, more people will be inspired to look into music.”
Their journey reflects the profound impact of Seraphic Fire’s education programs, which continue to nurture talent and leadership across generations. As Ariana shared, “I hope our story encourages young singers at HSPCI to step outside their comfort zone, seek out other passionate musicians, and take initiative. You never know where that first step might lead.”
Seraphic Fire’s High School Professional Choral Institute gives students the opportunity to learn directly from professional artists, develop confidence, and gain practical skills that extend far beyond music. Aurora Vocis is a living example of how those lessons continue to echo long after the final performance.
To learn more about Seraphic Fire’s education programs or to support initiatives that inspire the next generation of artists and leaders, visit seraphicfire.org/education or call 305.285.9060.
If you would like to follow Aurora Vocis on their musical journey or attend one of their upcoming performances, you can find them on Instagram (@auroravocis) and TikTok (@_auroravocis).
