BRINGING OUT THE BEST I HAVE TO OFFER”

Benjamin Farnham is soaring in multiple ways—in the air, on the tennis courts, and when singing with others on stage. A talented bass, Benjamin has been a member of the Honors Chamber Choir since ninth grade earning several awards. In 2024, he traveled to London with Choral Director Dr. Robin Garner and 10 other choir members to train with VOCES8 and participate in an international choral festival at Cadogan Hall. He also plays Varsity Tennis and has spent more than 150 hours in the cockpit since earning his private pilot’s license in 2023. He plans to study business in college, at a school where he can be near an airport to continue his training, play club tennis, and sing in a vocal ensemble.

Drawn to Aviation

“I’ve always been drawn to aviation. I spent hours on a flight simulator at a friend’s house in Lower School. My passion deepened when I worked at a private airport for two summers, where I fueled and cleaned planes, booked lessons, and eventually began my own flight training. While earning my pilot’s license at age 17 required hours of studying and consistent practice, the training has never felt like work to me. A major unexpected bonus in aviation is community. I have developed some lasting friendships with amateur and professional pilots, including a captain at Southwest Airlines who’s been giving me lots of pointers in anticipation of my instrument check ride this July.”

Tennis Legacy

“It is an incredible opportunity to be a part of the legacy of Country Day tennis that Coach (Calvin) Davis has been building. Coach Davis may be the only person at this school who is more competitive than I am! We almost took the state title in my ninth-grade year, and we have a deep, senior heavy team that will be grinding to make him proud this spring.”

Singing Brings Unity and Freedom

“What I enjoy most about singing is the sense of unity and freedom I feel when I perform with others. When we began rehearsing our first piece, Abendlied, with VOCES8, I was shocked by how much sound the professional group could create with only eight singers. I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction singing as I experienced the power of music to unify singers across the world. Our group of 10 students dropped any preconceived notions of each other and laughed, sang, and became much closer to one another.”

The Best I Have to Offer

“Prior to my sophomore year, I wasn’t so sure about my choral abilities or interests. But since Dr. (Robin) Garner arrived at Country Day in 2022, she has been a very instrumental mentor in my life. Not only has she encouraged me as a vocalist, but she has also given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and to perform in front of hundreds of people with boldness and joy. I can’t say enough about Dr. Garner and how she has sparked a deep passion while bringing out the best I have to offer. I can’t wait to sing in college.”

Pushing to New Heights

“AP English 11 has been my favorite class so far because it reshaped my understanding of both literature and life, thanks to Dr. (Tim) Waples’ engaging teaching. Initially, I feared the class would be too difficult, but I ended up really connecting with Dr. Waples, and he pushed me to new heights in writing and self-reflection that I could never have imagined.”