If you have listened to one of the Buena Choir’s “Not-So-Silent-Night” albums or attended one of the theatre productions, chances are you have seen senior Tegan Farnsworth in action. From the theatre department to Buena’s choir, Farnsworth has certainly made her mark on the arts department of Buena High School.
After doing choir since seventh grade, Farnsworth joined BHS’s choir program as a freshman, back in 2022 and has never stopped since.
“It was a treat to see how excited she was to come into choir and to learn,” choir teacher Kevin Downey said. “It’s just been a huge pride of mine to see her grow over time. [I’m] grateful for the chance to work with her, just see[ing] her learn and grow. She’s been so instrumental in the success of the choir.”
Farnsworth has been featured on the past four “Not-So-Silent-Night” albums, achieving the role of leading vocalist for three of the four she’s taken part of.
“I really like to sing. I don’t think there’s ever a time where I’m either not making noise or listening to music,” Farnsworth said with a laugh. “I’m not very silent.”
After getting into singing and musical theatre by her older sister, Farnworth was encouraged by Downey to audition for the spring musical her sophomore year, where she landed a part in the hit “All Shook Up.” Since then, she has participated in every production since, either as a role onstage, or acting as stage manager behind the scenes.
Farnsworth has recently been cast as the leading role of Queen Elsa of Arendelle in Buena’s upcoming production, “Frozen the Musical.”
“I’ve always loved her character ever since the first movies came out,” Farnsworth said in an follow up email interview. “I hope to do the role justice and make this a show to remember.”
Fellow senior Olivia McGowan, and one of Farnsworth’s closest friends, had her own thoughts to share on the friend she holds most dear.
“She’s determined and diligent,” McGowan said. “Once she gets into something, she puts her heart into that something and doesn’t give up on it, even if it starts to give her challenges.”
As a section leader and choir president, Farnsworth is often asked to take on a leadership role in front of her peers.
“She’s very caring in the way that a mother is caring. She can be firm, but she’s also very sweet. She takes care of the people around her that she loves,” McGowan said.
After graduation, Farnsworth hopes to head to Ventura College, taking part in their water science program but still helping out with Buena’s productions.
“I really like seeing the people that I’ve grown closer to get better and improve upon themselves,” Farnsworth said.
She credits her hardworking teachers, who encouraged her to be her best self, to be a factor in who she is today.
“It’s really powerful when you stick with something and keep working on your skills over time,” Downey said. “It’s been a real treat to see how far she’s come.”
