The Brother Martin Chorus program began under the direction of Mr. Mike Cottingham in the 1969-1970 school year. Under Mr. Cottingham’s talented direction, the chorus program at Brother Martin took off and instantly made a mark on our school’s fine arts history. Mr. Cottingham directed the all-male choir until 1983. During the 1983-1984 school year, Mr. Rando led the chorus program until the 1989-1990 school year. As tradition would have it, Mr. Rando was a student under the direction of Mr. Cottingham.

During a brief absence at Brother Martin, Mrs. Cheryl Dupont took over for Mr. Rando’s Chorus Director position from 1990 until 1994. Upon Mr. Rando’s return to Brother Martin, he became the director once again from 1994 until 2000. During the late 90’s, Brother Martin had the unique opportunity to have a mixed choir with the young ladies at Mount Carmel Academy. The mixed choir was directed with the help of Mrs. Melanie Williams. Continuing the tradition, Mr. Kevin Caparotta who was a student under the direction of Mr. Greg Rando, took over the Chorus Program beginning in the 2000’s.

Throughout the 2000’s, Mr. Kevin Caparotta served as the primary director for the Chorus program and continued to build the strong choral program throughout these years. However, Ms. Tara Hinds and Mr. Paul Boquet served as interim directors, for a few years, taking his place during his absence. After our interim directors, the Chorus Director position would go back into the hands of our current director at Brother Martin who leads our choir as a full-time Chorus director.

Our Brother Martin Chorus program has been solid since its inception under the guidance of Mr. Mike Cottingham. The choral program at Brother Martin has received numerous superior ratings in both state and district competitions, as well as exceptional ratings in out- of- state competitions throughout our 50 years of existence.  Over the years, this chorus has participated in many community events such as liturgies, weddings, funerals, Christmas celebrations, concerts, and off-campus major events (including national anthems). Another unique factor about the Brother Martin Chorus is the dedication and participation of our Alumni Chorus. The Alumni Chorus has joined us for significant school events and liturgies such as Ring Mass and Graduation Mass. The volunteer group participates in the chorus’ yearly concerts in the winter and spring, and have performed at off-campus events like New Orleans Zephyrs games, UNO basketball games, and Pelicans games.

Brother Martin High School is extremely proud of the legacy of the chorus, and we look forward to what the future holds for this outstanding program.