Community Chorus (formerly "Shared Chorus"

Community Chorus

If you want to be in either Band or Orchestra AND Chorus, and can't make up your mind, FEAR NOT. We have an option for you!

How does it work?

Many of our students have a tough time deciding between being in a vocal or instrumental group. As a department, we feel strongly that students should be able to do both! In 25-26 we are offering the "Community Chorus" as our new Shared Chorus option. This is a non-graded, after-school ensemble that is open to ALL students participating in 6th or 7th Grade Band and Orchestra who also want to continue to sing. It is a low-commitment, fun, mixed grade level ensemble that will run on Mondays after school from September through December, and then Mid-March through June. (We take a break from January-March to accommodate our musical theatre students!)

Are there performances?

The Community Chorus does not perform at the curricular concerts, but instead will participate in informal performances both in school and around the community. 

Can I be in Community Chorus if I am NOT in Band or Orchestra?

No. This is our new "Shared Chorus" option and is only open to students who are opting to take Band or Orchestra during the school day.

Why are you changing Shared Chorus?

Previously, students in Shared Chorus missed two classes each week—one for their instrumental lesson and another for their Shared Chorus session, which took place during their Cycle class. In 6th grade, Cycle classes include Art, Media Literacy, 21st Century Skills, Robotics, Drama or General Music, and Technology, Engineering & Design or Go Figure.

We received feedback from students, families, and staff that missing both a Cycle class and an academic class each week was becoming increasingly stressful. This concern has grown more significant as new Cycle courses—introduced in the 2024–25 school year—now address required standards in areas like financial literacy and 21st-century life and career skills.

Because Cycle classes are only six weeks long, missing one session per week meant Shared Chorus students were missing approximately 20% of the curriculum.

To reduce scheduling conflicts and ensure students can fully engage in their coursework, Shared Chorus will shift to an after-school program beginning in 2025–26. This model is inspired by the successful Select Chorus program in our elementary schools, which meets before school. The 2025–26 school year will serve as a pilot for this new format and will be evaluated at year’s end.

How do I sign up?

When you register for band or orchestra on our Google Form, choose "Community Chorus" and you will be added to our email list for the fall. 

Can I take Band, Orchestra AND Chorus?

• Unfortunately no, students cannot take all three. You will need to choose between Band and Chorus or Orchestra and Chorus.