In the halls of San Juan Hills High School, a choir has turned heads, captured hearts, and become a phenomenon that rivals a Taylor Swift concert for the most coveted tickets in town, selling out within minutes. At the center of it all is Michael Ushino, a choir director whose passion for music is matched only by his ability to make every student feel they belong.
A highly respected educator, Mr. Ushino serves as Director of Choral and Vocal Arts and leads the school’s Vocal Music Conservatory. In December 2025, he was awarded the Mayor’s Award of Educator of the Year for the City of San Juan Capistrano. When he began 12 years ago, the program had just 28 students across two choirs. Today, it has grown to about 150 students in four choirs. His choirs have earned regional and national recognition, including performances at the American Choral Directors Association conference and other venues, such as Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. They will travel to South Korea next year.
From the Pool to the Risers
One telling example of Mr. Ushino’s impact came recently when a group of water polo players decided to try choir after hearing a teammate rave about the class. So inspired were they that many left the water polo team entirely to dedicate themselves to choir, even after meeting their graduation requirements.
Under Mr. Ushino’s guidance, students don’t just participate, they grow into confident performers. During performances, he often turns to the Meistersingers and asks how many are in their first year of choir. Each time, a surprising number of hands go up, often nearly the entire group. He then smiles and tells the audience, “If you have a child at this school who needs an arts credit and has a pulse, send them my way. We make miracles happen.”
A Place to Belong
But Mr. Ushino’s impact goes far beyond music. His classroom is a rare space where students of all backgrounds, personalities, and academic levels come together. It is a place where they feel seen, supported, and connected. As he explains, “Singing can be a very personal and vulnerable means of expression, so if you don’t trust the people around you, you won’t sound your best.”
Beyond the Classroom
Mr. Ushino’s dedication extends well beyond the school day. He keeps his classroom open during lunch, creating a welcoming space where students can spend time together, play games, and simply feel at ease. For some, it has become a refuge, a place where they are accepted exactly as they are. Teachers who make this kind of lasting impact deserve more than recognition. They shape lives and build community. Mr. Ushino is doing both, one note at a time.
