Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- How many choirs are there at CJHS?
- Do I have to try out to be in choir?
- What happens to my credits if I take choir 4 years?
- What is Concert Choir?
- What is Chorale?
- What is Dynamics?
- Will I have to sing a solo?
- What if I WANT to sing a solo?
- What if I want to be in just Dynamics, not Concert Choir or Chorale?
How many choirs are there at CJHS?
There are four choir classes. Mixed Chorus meets during Block 4. Chorale
(mostly Freshmen) is Block 7, Dynamics is Block 8, and Concert Choir is Block 3.
Do I have to try out to be in choir?
Mixed Chorus is a non-audition choir. Chorale, Dynamics, and Concert Choir
require an audition.
What happens to my credits if I take choir 4 years?
You will receive a credit for a fine arts elective EVERY TIME you
take a choir class, even if you enroll, for example, in Concert
Choir for 3 years. If you love choir, take some of your required
classes during summer school so that you can take choir every
year!
What is Concert Choir?
Concert Choir is an audition choir for singers in grades 10-12.
It is the TOP choir at CJ. Concert Choir performs beautiful,
exciting, and challenging music, often college-level in
difficulty.
What is Chorale?
Chorale is an audition choir for younger singers, mostly
freshmen. Chorale performs music that is challenging for younger
singers, and is a preparatory choir for Concert Choir.
What is Dynamics?
Dynamics is a group of 16-20 singers who perform frequently for
businesses, civic groups, and community functions. Dynamics
sings vocal jazz throughout the year, and also performs as a
Chamber Choir in the spring.
Will I have to sing a solo?
No, choral singers are never required to sing a solo. However, if
you want to be a member of one of the audition choirs, you will
have to audition in front of your class. We spend a lot of time
practicing the audition song to help you feel prepared (and not
TOO nervous!)
What if I WANT to sing a solo?
There are lots of opportunities for solo and small group
singing. The solos that we sing in the vocal music department
are "classical", and Mrs. Tally will help you select a song that
is appropriate for school contests and competitions, if you need
suggestions.
What if I want to be in just Dynamics, not Concert Choir or Chorale?
The answer to that question is very philosophical! All the
teachers at CJHS want our students to receive a quality
education. In vocal music, that means that you sing the best
choral music that has ever been written, including the music of
Bach, Handel, Mozart and great new composers, too. That is what
you learn in Concert Choir and in Chorale. If you were enrolled
only in Dynamics, you would miss a lot of great music! It would
be like skipping the healthy, delicious meal, and going directly
to dessert!
