Singing has been one of Lily Daines’ passions since she could talk. Filling her family’s space with remixes and unreleased singles and her special notebook with her latest lyrics, she found the thing that brought her the most joy.
Starting her vocal journey in elementary school, she continued working her way up through the Hillside choir program to eventually become vice president of Highland’s choir and the 2025-26 Vocal Performance Sterling Scholar.
“I am extremely proud of her,” Daines’ mom Alison Daines said.
Daines spent all of her high school years on choir starting her leadership journey as a choir representative her freshman year. Since then, she has been the publicist her sophomore year, music specialist her junior year, and is now wrapping up her senior year as vice president.
“It’s kind of stressful but it’s good cause I have been doing it for four years and I can give input with the authority I have,” Daines said.
Alisha Slater has been Daines choir teacher for all four years. Daines caught Slater’s eye as a freshman with her good ear and a natural instinct for listening carefully. Slater has watched her grow into the accomplished singer and leader that she is today.
“She is dedicated, resourceful, creative, funny, and a natural leader that people look to for advice and conversation,” Slater said.
Not only has she found an amazing team she has also found an incredible community. Being around the same people for four years has created an incredible opportunity for Daines to make lifelong friends.
From hours spent rehearsing and polishing up songs, to the bus rides home from competitions and the late-night food runs post win, Daines has truly found her community.
“My favorite memories have been hanging out with my friends after performances,” Daines said. “It’s so fun carpooling during Christmas time and getting ice cream after.”
The Highland choir participates in many events throughout the year. Their big shows include a fall performance and spring show that includes three pieces the group will compete with.
In addition to the pieces Daines performs with her choir, she also competed a Mozart piece with a quartet. This piece was one of her more challenging pieces and unfortunately, they did not make it to state.
“It was really really hard piece so I’m proud of the work that we did,” Daines said.
Outside of school she auditioned and was accepted into All State Choir, which is a 500-voice choir of the best singers in the state of Utah. This group is very independent and requires a rigorous schedule.
“It’s a huge commitment of time and effort. Lily was 100% on board and had the time of her life,” Slater said.
Although her family was not deeply rooted in music Daines attributes part of her success to her dad’s ambition and her mom’s outlook on life. Her parents have watched her work towards her passion ever since she was a kid and have been role models in navigating life.
“The most rewarding part of watching Lily’s journey in vocal performance has been the fact that she has made goals and improved on her own volition,” Alison said.
Singing has not been the only art path that Daines has pursued. During her sophomore year, she took AP art history and discovered another passion. Although mostly a hobby, Daines spends her free time drawing and collaging.
“I really like art and art history. It has made a big impact on me,” Daines said.
Daines passions span further than the art field. In addition to attending a university and singing in a community choir, Daines hopes to be able to live in a van and travel the country.
“I love the outdoors and adventure, and I want to use my youth to see the world before life becomes too real,” Daines said.
Although leaving a community build over four years won’t be easy Daines has gained more than she could have ever imagined from her experience.
“I have been in choir all though high school, so it has become my thing,” Daines said. “It’s part of my identity.”
