FAQ

Is it possible to be in choir and another extracurricular activity, like clubs or sports? 

Students in the Niles West Choir Program are involved in just about every possible activity on campus. Choir students are varsity athletes, thespians, dancers, multi-instrumentalists, national honors society members, leaders on clubs, and the list goes on. So long as you are organized, assume responsibility, and communicate accordingly, there should be absolutely no trouble with fitting choir into your schedule. Choir is a class BUILT INTO YOUR DAY. There is very little outside time commitment outside of school, and it takes no more than one period of your day. 

Can I be in choir if I want to do another elective? 

While you are limited to the number of electives you can take, there is ABSOLUTELY ways for you to be in choir and be in other electives. There are students that elect to take a language, be in band/orchestra, take an art class, or take a theater class, all while being in choir. If singing in choir is something you really want to do, then that is something that we make work. 

Which choir do I sign up for? If you are a freshman, sign up for Concert Choir. 

There are two sections - one dedicated for Upper Voices (MU1C14) and one dedicated for Lower Voices (MU1C13). If you would like to audition into our more advanced sections, please email me and we can arrange an audition. 

What if I don’t know how to read music? 

We’ll teach you! While it may seem daunting at first, it’s a skill to help enhance your experience in music making. 

Do you have to be a good singer or have experience in singing to be in choir? 

If you enjoy singing, then choir is for you, no matter your ability level or experience. It is our desire to help each of our students grow in both confidence and skill so that they may become life long participants and appreciators of music. 

What type of music will we sing? 

Anything and everything! The world is full of music and our goal is to explore as many as possible! Each choir performs a wide variety of musical styles throughout the year including, but not limited to: pop, a cappella, classical, contemporary, jazz, gospel, and musical theater. 

I want to join a cappella, how do I do that? 

Our award winning a cappella program holds a strong tradition of excellence; membership into our a cappella groups requires an audition in the beginning of the school year. A cappella is an extra-curricular activity and rehearses outside of school hours, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Resolve is our competitive group and Tonality and Luminescence are our non-competitive groups. YOU MUST BE ENROLLED IN A CURRICULAR ENSEMBLE. 

Will I have to sing in front of people by myself? 

There will be opportunities for all types of singing in choir; small group, large group, full choir, and solos. It is our desire that through your work with us, you will develop an increased sense of self-esteem and confidence in your own abilities that you will feel capable of singing in any type of situation or performance ensemble. 

I have more questions, who should I contact? 

Should you have any further questions or concerns, please contact Mr. de la Cruz and he’d be happy to answer any and all! 

Email: jusdel@d219.org, Phone: (847) 626-2639