The A Cappella Choir is an audition-based ensemble open to any interested student in grades 10-12. Formal auditions for the ensemble take place in the spring semester of the prior school year and will only be open to students entering the district during the current school year.
This choir has a long-standing tradition of excellence in the community and throughout the state of Ohio. Students participating in this group will have the opportunity to develop their skills as a musician with special focus on music theory, sight-reading, proper vocal production, style & mastering the role of the individual in a large performance ensemble. The A Cappella Choir will perform at the Fall Concert, Christmas Show, OMEA Large Group Contest, Night of the Arts and the Spring Concert. The possibility of other performances throughout the community and/or state is likely.
The A Cappella Choir has consistently received superior ratings at OMEA adjudicated events at the district and state level. They have had featured performances with collegiate and professional level ensembles including the Toledo Symphony.
The Women’s Chorus is open to any interested female student in grades 9 thru 12. All females in their Freshman year will be placed into the Women’s Chorus. Women participating in this ensemble will be provided with a choral experience offering the best possible training in musicianship skills.
Focus will be placed on proper vocal production, sight-reading, music theory and functioning as a large musical group. The Women’s Chorus performs annually at the Fall Concert, Christmas Show, OMEA Large Group Contest & Spring Concert. Other performances are possible during the course of the school year.
The Men's Chorus is open to any interested male students in grades 9 thru 12. All men in their Freshman year will be placed into the Men's Chorus. All participating students will be provided with a choral experience offering the best possible training in musicianship skills.
Focus is placed on proper vocal production, sight-reading, music theory and functioning as a large music group. The Men's Chorus performs annually at the Fall Concert, Christmas Concert and assemblies, OMEA Large Group Contest and the Spring Concert. Other performances are possible throughout the school year.
The Varsity Blues is a select, auditioned ensemble that provides an opportunity for students to showcase their musical talents using pop and jazz music. Auditions for this ensemble are held in the fall and will be announced at the beginning of the school year. Because of school day time constraints, rehearsals for the ensemble will also be held outside of regular school hours.
The Varsity Blues is a traveling ensemble and readily performs numerous times during the course of the year. The schedule is especially busy during the holiday season. Students wishing to participate in this group must have a high level of commitment. The Varsity Blues have been featured performers on network television. They have performed the National Anthem for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toledo Mudhens.
OMEA Solo & Ensemble Contest - is open to any student in the music program. Interested students will pick a vocal solo from the approved list with the help of the director and will prepare it outside of regular class time. Small groups of students will also be able to perform an ensemble piece as well. Sign- ups for this will occur prior to the Christmas holiday.
Honors Ensembles - Students can have the opportunity to audition and participate in numerous Honors Choirs sponsored by colleges and state organizations. The director will provide information and assist with audition/registration as it becomes available.
Annual Musical Production - Defiance High School produces an annual musical. While this is not a Choral Music Department activity, the department supports it in numerous capacities. Students are encouraged to participate as there are many different components of a production which students can experience besides being a performer on stage. Information about upcoming productions will be announced in the school and in the choir classroom when appropriate.
Private Study - There are several qualified vocal instructors in the Defiance area. Students interested in a more one-on-one study in vocal performance are encouraged to take private lessons. The director will post information on available teachers in the choir room.