FAQ'S
Q: Can I be in Choir and IB/PLTW/AP or other programs?
Q: Can I be in Choir and IB/PLTW/AP or other programs?
A: Yes! Most students in choir are in an Academic Pathway, Athletics, another Performing Art or Elective, including ASB, Peer Counseling, Publications, etc. Our administration wants for students to be involved and well-rounded, and they have done a great job of listening to teachers and arranging the master schedule so that there are as few conflicts as possible, especially in Advanced classes. GLC's do an amazing job of arranging your schedule and your four year plan. It takes careful planning and communication with your GLC, and probably some summer school, but in most cases you can be in Choir and another elective or program.
A: Yes! Most students in choir are in an Academic Pathway, Athletics, another Performing Art or Elective, including ASB, Peer Counseling, Publications, etc. Our administration wants for students to be involved and well-rounded, and they have done a great job of listening to teachers and arranging the master schedule so that there are as few conflicts as possible, especially in Advanced classes. GLC's do an amazing job of arranging your schedule and your four year plan. It takes careful planning and communication with your GLC, and probably some summer school, but in most cases you can be in Choir and another elective or program.
Q: Do I have to audition? What does that entail, and is it scary?
Q: Do I have to audition? What does that entail, and is it scary?
A: We have five ensembles that cover all levels of choir experience. If you are new to singing or don't read music, you may simply sign up for MUSTANG SINGERS. The other four ensembles require an audition- you can click on the Audition Information link to see what this entails. If you are currently in a middle school choir in WVUSD, your teacher will help you prepare for the audition. However, if you have not been in choir before but have played another instrument or have voice training, as well as a good recommendation from a current teacher, you may have the skills to pass the audition for an intermediate choir. If in doubt, go ahead and audition! While auditions always tend to cause the jitters, please know that we want students in our classes and it is our job to teach you to sing in a choir, so we will do everything we can to make the experience as friendly as possible. You will be placed in the ensemble that best matches your experience and current skill level so that you can be successful.
A: We have five ensembles that cover all levels of choir experience. If you are new to singing or don't read music, you may simply sign up for MUSTANG SINGERS. The other four ensembles require an audition- you can click on the Audition Information link to see what this entails. If you are currently in a middle school choir in WVUSD, your teacher will help you prepare for the audition. However, if you have not been in choir before but have played another instrument or have voice training, as well as a good recommendation from a current teacher, you may have the skills to pass the audition for an intermediate choir. If in doubt, go ahead and audition! While auditions always tend to cause the jitters, please know that we want students in our classes and it is our job to teach you to sing in a choir, so we will do everything we can to make the experience as friendly as possible. You will be placed in the ensemble that best matches your experience and current skill level so that you can be successful.
Q: Does Choir take up all of my time?
Q: Does Choir take up all of my time?
A: The five levels of choir have different levels of time commitment. Chamber and Rhapsody are the only choirs that have regular after school rehearsals, as well as frequent performances. Treble Choir and Men's Ensemble have a few extra festivals and after=school performances during the year. Since most of our choir members carry heavy academic loads and are involved in athletics or other arts, even our most advanced choirs are only expected to rehearse for an 1 1/2 hours per week after school during festival and competition season. We do have three concerts per year and all ensembles are expected to be at the tech rehearsals for the full week, but those dates are announced at the beginning of the year so you will have plenty of time to plan.
A: The five levels of choir have different levels of time commitment. Chamber and Rhapsody are the only choirs that have regular after school rehearsals, as well as frequent performances. Treble Choir and Men's Ensemble have a few extra festivals and after=school performances during the year. Since most of our choir members carry heavy academic loads and are involved in athletics or other arts, even our most advanced choirs are only expected to rehearse for an 1 1/2 hours per week after school during festival and competition season. We do have three concerts per year and all ensembles are expected to be at the tech rehearsals for the full week, but those dates are announced at the beginning of the year so you will have plenty of time to plan.
Q. I want my child to be a doctor/lawyer/engineer. Won't Choir get in the way of "important" classes?
Q. I want my child to be a doctor/lawyer/engineer. Won't Choir get in the way of "important" classes?
A. Most of our students are not going to major in music. Choir has many benefits that employers and colleges want. Being a member in choir teaches students collaboration skills, listening, punctuality, accountability, self-discipline, teamwork, confidence, conquering stage fright, how to work with a diverse group of people and other things that can't always be measured in a purely academic class. In addition, music IS an academic subject, requiring multiple modes of learning, reinforcing cognitive, kinesthetic, visual, and aural skills. The Common App and most recommendations ask for assessment of the skills listed above, so a recommendation letter from a music teacher is often what makes a student stand out from a crowded field of qualified applicants. Our recent four-year choir members (non-music majors) have been admitted to USC, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Emory, UCSD, UCI, BYU, and many more, in a variety of majors.
A. Most of our students are not going to major in music. Choir has many benefits that employers and colleges want. Being a member in choir teaches students collaboration skills, listening, punctuality, accountability, self-discipline, teamwork, confidence, conquering stage fright, how to work with a diverse group of people and other things that can't always be measured in a purely academic class. In addition, music IS an academic subject, requiring multiple modes of learning, reinforcing cognitive, kinesthetic, visual, and aural skills. The Common App and most recommendations ask for assessment of the skills listed above, so a recommendation letter from a music teacher is often what makes a student stand out from a crowded field of qualified applicants. Our recent four-year choir members (non-music majors) have been admitted to USC, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Emory, UCSD, UCI, BYU, and many more, in a variety of majors.
Q. What if my child wants to be a music major? Will your pathway offer my child an in-depth program that will have them ready for college auditions their senior year?
Q. What if my child wants to be a music major? Will your pathway offer my child an in-depth program that will have them ready for college auditions their senior year?
A. Yes! Our School of the Arts Pathway requires students to be in an Arts class for Five Years. That means that they would take four years of choir (or five, if students choose to double up on choir classes their senior year), or take another art, such as band, which reinforces. This provides them many performance opportunities and four years to hone performance skills, work on music literacy, audition for solos, work as a section leader, etc. We also offer AP Music Theory, run a school musical each year, provide solo opportunities and attend festivals at local colleges and Universities. Several students each year audition, and are selected for, regional and All-State Choirs. Students who plan to major in music should inform our Arts staff early in their high school career, so that we can guide you on your path and help you build a portfolio throughout high school so that you are ready for auditions your senior year.
A. Yes! Our School of the Arts Pathway requires students to be in an Arts class for Five Years. That means that they would take four years of choir (or five, if students choose to double up on choir classes their senior year), or take another art, such as band, which reinforces. This provides them many performance opportunities and four years to hone performance skills, work on music literacy, audition for solos, work as a section leader, etc. We also offer AP Music Theory, run a school musical each year, provide solo opportunities and attend festivals at local colleges and Universities. Several students each year audition, and are selected for, regional and All-State Choirs. Students who plan to major in music should inform our Arts staff early in their high school career, so that we can guide you on your path and help you build a portfolio throughout high school so that you are ready for auditions your senior year.