Hawk Choir FAQ's

Q: Is there time for other electives?

A: Yes! In fact, many choir students are also involved in one or more other organizations like Athletics, Theatre, Band, JROTC, Speech/Debate, just to name a few!

Q: Do we go on any trips?

A: Yes! Each spring for three years, we participate in a choral festival in-state. Every fourth year, we go out of state! Trips are paid by individual students and also (in part) through fundraising efforts by the Hawk Choir and the Hays Choir Boosters.

Q: Do you HAVE to be a good/great singer to be in choir?

A: No! The vast majority of students have been in choir during middle school but if you want to learn how to sing and learn music literacy then you are welcome to join us!

Q: Can I keep up with my academics while in choir?

A: Yes! Keeping up with academics is a challenge no matter what organization you belong to but basically, careful attention to your schedule is the key to being sure you are in choir all four years. Many choir students are in high achieving academics, with students being in the top 10% or higher. CTE courses can be a challenge but again, careful attention to all four years as well as your endorsement (Multidisciplinary Studies gives you the greatest opportunity to take ANY classes you wish and still participate in Fine Arts). If you were not able to take care of it in Middle School, some students even go to summer school to get rid of half-year credits like Health, Prof Com., and Government/Economics. Be sure to communicate your intentions to your counselor and your parents when making plans.

Q: Can freshmen students be in a varsity choir?

A: Varsity ensembles are typically composed of students who have been in the Hawk Choir Program for at least one year and successfully audition for a spot in Chamber Singers or Treble Select Choir. That said, Freshmen and new students who think themselves capable and would like to audition can do so.

Q: Can I be in choir all four years of high school?

A: Yes. It will take planning on your part and careful attention to your endorsements. I recommend the Multidisciplinary Endorsement as it will give you the most flexibility when selecting your classes. There are many choir members who achieved their academic goals and were able to be in choir all four years.

Q: I am thinking about joining choir my sophomore year, can I audition for a varsity choir?

A: New students who think themselves capable and would like to audition can do so. You will need to contact the Director.

Q: What activities do the choir students participate in during the school year?

A: The Hawk Choir Concert Season begins with Hawk Highlights! (pop show), Sounds of the Season (Winter Concert), Pre-UIL and UIL performances (both open to the public), and the Spring Masterworks Concert. These concerts are mandatory performances as they reflect work done in the classroom. Hawk Choir students also perform at football games, the annual Veterans Day Assembly, Kyle Tree Lighting and other Holiday venues, and our Spring Fundraiser: Magical Musical Tea. This is a sampling of the performance opportunities for Hawk Choir Students!

Q: What activities are there for individual choir members?

A: Individual students may participate in the TMEA ALL STATE audition process, beginning with Region 18 Mixed Choir Auditions in the Fall. UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest provides students with the opportunity to prepare a solo for individual assessment. These opportunities are just the beginning of what is out there for our students!

Q: Do students learn music theory in choir?

A: Yes! The Sound to Symbol approach is used to teach theory and aural skills concepts in choir. Theory and Aural Skill sets are on level and vital to the preparation of music that is performed. For more information, I encourage you to see the Aural Skills and Theory Resources pages in the HAWK CHOIR RESOURCES on the Jack C. Hays Choir website.

Q: What kind of singing do choir students learn?

A: The cornerstone of singing technique that is taught is called bel canto (beautiful singing). This is a combination of physical technique, anatomical knowledge of the human voice and the mechanism/process of sound production. Students also learn about vocal health. From here, we will learn other styles of singing like belting (think Broadway), and styles connected to a particular culture or genre of singing. All of this is done in an effort to teach the value of authentic and informed performances given a particular piece of music.