To join choir, start by speaking with your counselor. Because our choral ensembles are curricular courses at Glenbrook South, you will register for the most appropriate choir for your voice part and experience level. From there, you can audition for our co-curricular ensembles in the spring (usually in May) for the following year.
If you are an incoming freshman, remember to register for choir when speaking with your counselor! Choir is a great way to make a big school feel a little bit smaller; we would love for you to join our GBS choral family. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to Mr. Shellard (rshellard@glenbrook225.org). We look forward to having you join us!
GENERAL FAQs
How do I register for choir at GBS?
At Glenbrook South High School, choir is a daytime course that can be taken during one of your eight periods. Freshmen sopranos and altos should register for GLEE CLUB, while freshmen tenors and basses can register for TITAN CHORUS. All students have the opportunity to fit eight classes into their schedule by submitting an “eighth course request” - this allows you to take TWO elective classes! All you have to do is speak with your counselor either over the phone, via e-mail, or in person.
What choirs are available at GBS?
GLEE CLUB TITAN CHORUS
Non-auditioned Non-auditioned
Soprano/Alto: 9 Tenor/Bass: 9
PREMIER CHORUS BEL CANTO CHORALE
Non-auditioned Auditioned
Soprano/Alto: 10, 11, 12 Soprano/Alto: 10, 11, 12
Tenor/Bass: 10, 11, 12
MASTER SINGERS
Auditioned
Soprano/Alto: 11, 12
Tenor/Bass: 10, 11, 12
Why should I join choir?
To begin, taking choir fulfills a Fine Arts credit, a requirement for graduation at Glenbrook South. By involving yourself in the music department, you are able to make the large building a little bit smaller; our students are heavily involved in the building at large and would love to welcome you into the community. You can create lasting friendships and memories through the choral experience and work to develop your vocal abilities and build a sense of rigor, hard work, and professionalism on stage - things that all future career paths require.
What performance opportunities are there through choir?
4 concerts each year, one per quarter
Each concert has its own format and repertoire, occurring at night in the Glenbrook South auditorium with performance attire and all are invited!
In March, we combine with the choirs at Glenbrook North HS, as well as the Glenbrook Symphony Orchestra to present the Glenbrook Festival of Music; in this exciting concert, we work with a renowned guest conductor on select repertoire.
In past and future years, we have traveled nationally and internationally, getting the opportunity to perform in places like Carnegie Hall and visiting renowned travel destinations like Hawaii and Walt Disney World.
You can take voice lessons throughout the day with our professional voice faculty, for a fee, working on any style of solo repertoire in preparation for a voice recital, Solo & Ensemble performance, any audition, or just for fun!
What kinds of extracurricular activities are offered through choir?
At GBS, we have four staff-directed co-curricular vocal ensembles - one contemporary a cappella group (Fusion), one mixed chamber choral group (Chamber Singers), one mixed vocal jazz ensemble (Scat That), and one vocal ensemble solely for freshmen and sophomores (Contemporary Vocal Ensemble). They perform at many of the choir concerts, the annual GBS Variety Show, as well as throughout the community!
Freshmen are invited to audition for our annual winter Variety Show. Choir members are often involved in Back-Up Singers, Singer/Dancers, variety acts, and the non-auditioned Freshman Act! They can also audition for the annual Glenbrook Musical held in the spring. We also have a student-run choir called The Intonations.
Our student-run Choir Board also hosts many parties and social events throughout the year; these events allow choir members to meet and engage with students in all other choirs in an informal and fun setting! Events can include: fall barbecue, Homecoming parade, video game tournaments, and other fun activities.
I’ve never sung before…can I still join choir?
Absolutely! Students of any experience or ability are invited to join choir at any point in their time at GBS. We’d love to have you join an ensemble - no need for any prior music knowledge, we’ll teach you everything you need to know! In our ensembles, we focus on many elements of music: music theory, sight-reading, music history, as well as performance and concert repertoire.
FRESHMAN REGISTRATION FAQs
Can my student be in choir and another elective, such as Band, Orchestra, or Drama?
Absolutely! We have students every year that participate in multiple Fine Art electives or choir and a non-art elective. In fact, we encourage students to participate in as many Fine Art classes as they’d like.
Can my student participate in sports, clubs, and activities and also be in choir?
Of course! Curricular choirs meet during the school day and do not interfere with after-school activities. We encourage our students to get involved.
Is an SRT required for a freshman year schedule?
No, an SRT is not required. Therefore, students have the ability to take two electives as well as a language (if they choose) their freshman year.
Can freshmen take 8 classes?
Yes, many freshmen take 8 classes in order to maximize their electives.
8 classes sounds like a lot of work...does choir add a lot of stress and homework?
Absolutely not. In fact, our students often report that choir is what they most look forward to in their school day and how they found their home at GBS. There is very little homework, and the environment focuses on new friendships, community-building, and positivity.
I would like my student to remain in their SRT. Can they still take two electives and a language?
Yes. There are some classes that can be taken during summer school that would free up another block during the school day. Additionally, some classes (like History of World Civilizations) are not required freshman year and could be taken as a sophomore to free up a block.
Can my student be in a choir co-curricular ensemble (Fusion/Nine/Solace, Chamber Singers, Scat That) without taking the curricular class?
No, students are required to participate in choir during the school day. The concepts we teach in class, such as musicianship, technique, music literacy, and performance skills, are essential to be successful in these groups. It also creates a more community-focused experience within our program.
I’m sold! How do we register?
You can either contact your counselor directly or you could contact Mr. Shellard (rshellard@glenbrook225.org) to assist with registration.