What Is Choir?

What is Choir?

Choir is about singing for connection. We practice the skill of singing to connecting with yourself, your ensemble, and your audience. Bobcat Choir students prepare meaningful music not only to develop skills, but to experience the joy of performing together. 

How is Choir Different From Music Class?

Music Class and Choir work together to help students grow as musicians, but they have different focuses.

In Music Class, students build a strong foundation in music literacy and musicianship. Activities like games, singing, movement, part work help students develop the skills needed to understand and create music with others.

Choir is where students put those skills into action. Rather than focusing primarily on learning musical concepts, choir focuses on preparing music for performance, quickly applying musical skills, and experiencing the joy and connection of singing together.

Choir is a performance based ensemble experience. Students will not have grades, songwriting projects, music writing assignments, or classroom games (sorry!). Instead, students will have opportunities to perform, participate in special events and field trips, and use their voices to build community and share music with others.

Who Can Be in Choir?

Because choir involves applying more advanced musicianship skills, Bobcat Choir is designed primarily for fourth and fifth grade students. At this age, students are ready to take on the teamwork, independence, and musical preparation that comes with being part of an ensemble.

We also have a special tradition of inviting a few third graders to join Bobcat Choir during the second half of the school year when they are ready for the experience. We just can’t help it, we love sharing the joy of singing!

Choir continues beyond elementary school as an extracurricular opportunity in middle school and high school, and it is a musical community that people can enjoy throughout their adult lives.

Are there other choirs available outside of Bobcat Choir?

Absolutely!

Some community choirs are built for large age ranges, like the Austin Children's Choir and Amplify Austin.

Some choirs are built for voices to connect around the United States, like The National Children's Chorus.

And there are many children's choirs (big and small) found in church communities. Some even have choirs for the adults to join too! Although these are usually smaller, many of them are taught by music teachers just like Ms. Luna. Actually, Ms. Luna teaches one of those too!