This is a treble choir comprised of incoming freshmen and any other soprano or alto singer joining an AWHS choir for the first time. This class focuses on proper vocal technique and the development of the treble voice. Students will gain an aesthetic sensitivity and awareness through the study and performance of a wide range of level-appropriate choral literature from various cultures, styles, languages, and time periods.

Grades 9-12

(Directed By Jesse VanLandingham)

This is a tenor/bass choir comprised of incoming freshmen and any other tenors or basses who would like to join choir. The students explore proper vocal technique through the study of various repertoire. Students will gain an aesthetic sensitivity and awareness through the study and performance of a wide range of level appropriate choral literature from various cultures, styles, languages, and time periods.

Grades 9-12

(Directed By Chris Maunu)

Sounds of Calliope is an auditioned treble choir comprised of 10-12th grade soprano and alto voices. This is an intermediate vocal ensemble. The members of this ensemble will continue to develop quality vocal technique. Students will gain a deeper understanding of aesthetic sensitivity through the study and performance of a wide-range of level-appropriate choral literature from various cultures, styles, languages, and time periods.

Grades 10-12

(Directed By Jesse VanLandingham)

Concert Choir is an auditioned, mixed choir comprised of 10-12th grade voices. This is an intermediate vocal ensemble. The members of this ensemble will continue to develop quality vocal technique. Students will gain a deeper understanding of aesthetic sensitivity through the study and performance of a wide-range of level-appropriate choral literature from various cultures, styles, languages, and time periods.

Grades 10-12

(Co-Directed By Jesse VanLandingham and Chris Maunu)

This is the premiere tenor/bass choir of Arvada West, made up of the finest tenor and bass singers in the department. All tenor and bass choir students (including freshmen) are welcome to try out. The audition is simple and no previous experience is required. Rehearsals are once a week after school for an hour. Varsity Men’s has performed at a variety of festivals and competitions – and has appeared twice as an honor choir at CMEA (the top honor for a high school choir).

Please see Mr. Maunu the 1st week of school if you are interested!

Grades 9-12

(Directed By Chris Maunu)

Company West is the premiere treble choir of Arvada West, made up of the finest soprano and alto singers in the department. Students will demonstrate a refined aesthetic sensitivity through the study and performance of a wide range of advanced, three to eight-part treble choral literature from various cultures, styles, languages, and time periods. Company West performs at all school concerts as well as a variety of festivals. Students are encouraged to audition for All-County Honor Choir, as well as All-State Choir. Company West has appeared at CMEA (the top honor for a high school choir) 4 times since 2009.

Grades 10-12

(Directed By Chris Maunu)

This is the premiere mixed choir of Arvada West. This is an advanced vocal ensemble and students must exhibit the highest level of commitment. Students demonstrate and learn advanced vocal technique, as well as a broad, advanced knowledge and skill in music. Students will demonstrate a refined aesthetic sensitivity through the study and performance of a wide range of advanced four to eight-part choral literature from various cultures, styles, languages, and time periods. Vocal Showcase performs at all school concerts as well as many other contests and festivals. Students are encouraged to audition for All-County Honor Choir, as well as All-State Choir. Vocal Showcase has been accepted as an honor choir at CMEA (the top state honor for a high school choir) multiple times in recent years and performed at the 2017 National ACDA Conference! They were also invited to the 2020 World Choir Games in Belgium.

Grades 10-12

(Directed By Chris Maunu)

Vocal Chords is an auditioned A Capella/Vocal Jazz ensemble consisting of Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. This elite after-school group is derived from singers who are already involved in 1 or more choir classes. Strong musicality, ability to improvise, and contemporary style singing are all attributes necessary to be involved with this advanced group. In addition to singing at CMEA once, Vocal Chords has performed the National Anthem in 2016 and 2017 at the Denver Nuggets/San Antonio Spurs game and also at the 2014 Hope Gala at the Denver Ritz Carlton.

Grades 10-12

(Directed By Jesse VanLandingham)

(Previously Directed By Helen Gonzales)

The Mantastic 4 is an auditioned barbershop quartet. Mantastic 4 has won the state high school barbershop quartet championship 6 times! In addition to competitions and home concerts, Mantastic 4 is often in demand at community functions and sings the national anthem at various events.

Grades 9-12

(Student Led and Directed)

Camerata is an select treble ensemble of junior and senior girls. This group is entirely self-directed and holds auditions in each fall. Camerata performs at all school concerts and competes in competitions. They also regularly sing the National Anthem for school assemblys.

Grades 10-12

(Student Led and Directed)