choir information

Choir is open for students in Grades 5 through 12. Since this is the first year for Choir, all Choir students should report to class at 10:40am on the first day of class. The first day is an orientation-and-audition-for-parts day, for which there is no charge.

There are four main voice parts in choir. They are Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass. On the first class day, we will have a class “warm-up” and then students will audition separately for voice parts.

Soprano: This is the highest ladies’ voice part.

Mezzo-soprano or Second soprano: The second highest ladies’ voice part.

Alto or First alto: Low voice part for ladies.

Contra-alto or Second alto: Lowest voice part for ladies.

Tenor: Highest men’s voice part. There are also first and second tenors.

Baritone: Low men’s voice part.

Bass: Lowest men’s voice part.

Boys in seventh and eighth grades may be experiencing their voices change from the “high” voice the deeper voice. This change can be sudden or it can stretch out many months. For boys with changing voices, we have them sing the tenor part of the music. For fully changed voices, parts are assigned that fit their voices.

Students will be taught to sing in the classic style. This style protects the voice from strain and is the standard for competition singing and performance. Trained vocalists in this style will be able to sing all styles.

Everyone remember, your voice is your instrument and you must take care of it. Eating foods that cause indigestion can also cause acid reflux, which will have a detrimental effect on your singing. Loud talking, yelling, and screaming are also bad for the singing voice. Right before singing, stay away from sodas and milk. Water is best for singing and you may have water with you in a spill-proof container in choir class, as long as it is not disruptive and you take it with you after class.

All Choir members need a blue folder with pockets. No paper rings or brads are needed. The pockets will hold the music. It is up to each student to take care of his or her music and folder. Be sure your folder has your name on it.

We will be using several texts that you will need to get from me. These books cost between $4.00 and $7.00. It is not necessary to buy all books at once and I will go over this on the first class day.

Students have the option of buying the selections we perform. These range in cost from about $1.50 to $3.00 each. If you use the school’s copies, you may not take them home.

Choir students in grades 7 and up will be eligible to participate in Solo and Ensemble contest and Honor Choir tryouts. See

All choir students will be eligible to participate at the Sandy Lake Funfest for Choir if eligible. See