Carlos Barillo Plans to Pursue Passions Outside of CHS

CHS will be losing one of its most beloved and inspiring teachers at the end of this school year when Carlos Barillo, choral music director of 12 years, will be continuing to share his love for helping people through pursuing a career in nursing.

Through his time at CHS, Barillo has been involved in the choral music department and the annual Blast from the Past performance.

"I think Mr. Barillo has given incredible opportunities to students through his master teaching, coaching and giving them opportunities to perform in front of a wide variety of people," Principal Joan Benz said.

Barillo is planning to pursue a Registered Nurse degree, which will involve taking classes at a community college to satisfy his prerequisites and beginning a clinical at an established nursing school. Currently he is interested in attending Chamberlain Nursing School in Arlington, VA.

Having taught at CHS for over a decade, Barillo feels he needs to change his life path in some way.

"I’m kind of like a free bird, a free spirit," Barillo said. "I knew I wasn’t going to be able to stay in one place for a length of time. Before teaching at a high school level, I taught at a university level and I also was a freelance performer, performing everywhere in the world. I just knew that I was going to go somewhere else."

Barillo cannot make any promises about returning next year to help with school performances, as he will be extremely busy with nursing school. However, depending on his classes, he hopes to continue working with the show choirs next year, as well as Blast.

While he assumed that his students would be disappointed, he did not expect the reaction he received when he announced the news the night of the choral concert May 1. According to Barillo, he still has a bruised ribcage from Showstoppers hugging him so hard.

"I knew that there would be sadness, I knew that there would be tears, and I knew that there would be questions," Barillo said. "It’s humbling."

One of the things he will miss most about CHS is his connection with his students.

"I’m going to miss his personality and the way he makes us laugh," junior Nicole Gonzalez said. "I’m mostly going to miss his creative ideas, his choreography, and the way he treats us."

Barillo looks back positively on his experience at CHS. He hopes to have successfully shown his students his passion for music.

"You can teach, teach, teach as much as you want, but I think it’s important to show your passion and show what you’re made of," Barillo said. "By me leaving, it shows that you can still pursue a different career from what you started. It’s possible."