Most students know senior Dakota Noah for his athletic grit, early-morning practices, game-day intensity, and the steady presence of a true Muskie competitor. But this year, Dakota surprised everyone by stepping into a completely different spotlight: choir, show choir, and the spring musical.

In his final year of high school, Dakota decided it was time for something new. Instead of sticking to the routine everyone expected, he swapped part of his athletic schedule for vocal warmups, choreography sessions, and costume fittings.

“Obviously, the main difference is that Show Choir emphasizes singing and dancing, while football emphasizes physical contact and hitting. There is also a significant difference between practices and rehearsals: in football, you’re doing position- and team-based drills, whereas in rehearsals, there’s choreography and vocal sections,” said Dakota.

Joining the choir and River City Rhythm for the first time meant picking things up quickly as he joined RCR halfway through their season. However, Dakota treated the challenge like any other season, remaining focused, hardworking, and ready to be part of a team. Directors say those qualities helped him fit in immediately.

When asking Dakota how he feels about the change from being on the field compared to the stage, he stated, “Seeing people while I am performing puts so much pressure on me and gives me anxiety; whereas when I’m on the football field, I’m watching the other team and other players, not an audience or the stands.”

This year, Dakota is learning dance routines in show choir, blending harmonies in choir, and tackling acting for the spring musical, all skills that push him outside his usual comfort zone.

He admitted it’s a different kind of pressure from stepping onto a field, “The most challenging aspect I had to face was my own confidence. Joining without a musical background or dancing experience, I initially lacked confidence. The assistance of not only my classmates, but also Mr. Stone and Ms. Broderson definitely helped me gain confidence and perform at a higher level.”

As he heads toward graduation, Dakota’s senior year proves that stepping into something unexpected can lead to some of the most memorable moments of high school. And this season, Dakota won’t just be cheering from the sidelines, he’ll be center stage.

“People don’t think about how similar they are. Both require a commitment to the task; they require effort, discipline, and time to become skilled and perform at their best. Some people consider the arts to be weird, and for nerds, but honestly, the arts have brought me the same, if not more fun than sports have. Try it, and you’ll understand.”