Often, non-singers assume that, in choir, students just “show up and sing.” Well, our students do show up, and sing. They also learn about the details of music theory (scales, rhythm, pitch, keys, tempo, and the like), music history, vocal pedagogy, and performance philosophy. This is in addition to the main focus in class of teaching each student to sing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music at the highest possible level. We use both state and national standards for choral music to build a challenging, rewarding curriculum. Obviously, when students learn, they need to be assessed. Choir students at FMHS have homework that needs to be completed on deadline in order to receive course credit. This includes both written and performed homework, as well as quizzes and tests, in addition to required attendance at performances and out-of-school rehearsals. Students are required to be passing all courses by the state of Texas in order to participate in many of our activities. Low grades in choir will have an impact on the choir in which students participate.
Choir is an “outside of school” commitment. There are occasional concerts, practices, dress rehearsals and the like that happen outside of school, and attendance at those events is compulsory. Our beginning choirs have 6-7 public performances each school year, with additional field trips and experiences. Our advanced groups have more.
For most students, the performances and evening events are a highlight of their experience in choir. It does, however, require both a willingness to commit to the time and an ability to plan in order to be where they need to be and also keep up with their other schoolwork.
Some students want to just sing, without the stress of an audition. For those students, we have two non-auditioned choirs (Treble Choir for the treble voices, Gentlemen Jags for the tenor/bass voices). These choirs do not require an audition, but do require an understanding of what choir is about in terms of time, commitment, and fees. We do not offer a “non-performance” choir; all of our choirs participate fully in every aspect of our calendar.
It is important to note that most of the singers in our non-auditioned groups have had up to three years of middle school choral experience, at outstanding schools. Other “new” singers to choir have been singing on stage in preparatory musical theatre programs for years. So, our “non-auditioned” choirs aren’t really “beginning” choirs at all. We do accept and absolutely welcome beginners; we are one of the few performance media to do so. But there is a learning curve to discovering how to sing correctly, read music, and participate as a part of a choral ensemble. Of course, we will happily take anyone who enrolls and make them better.
For those students who relish the opportunity to take on more challenging music, we have several auditioned choirs. Auditions happen in the spring for incoming 10th-12th graders, and in the fall for incoming 9th graders. Students transferring from other districts can audition when they arrive.
For most students, the performances and evening events are a highlight of their experience in choir. It does, however, require both a willingness to commit to the time and an ability to plan in order to be where they need to be and also keep up with their other schoolwork.
We have a tradition of excellence in our choirs, one that has been cultivated since we opened our doors in 1999. We commission works from new composers. We travel around the Metroplex. We bring in guest conductors and clinicians. We have a uniform look, regardless of the kind of performance. We find the newest music, and participate in contests and festivals around the state, and the country. All of these opportunities have become an integral part of our program, and offering these opportunities has become an expectation.
In order to pay for the costs associated with presenting a nationally recognized program, it is necessary to charge an annual “Activity Fee” for the school year. The fees are collected and managed by the Flower Mound High School Booster Club, whose financial information is a matter of public record, so you can always see where the fees are going. This year’s fee is $150 per student in most choirs; the singers in the Jaguar Chorale and Blue Print will pay a bit more, as they are active in more events.
- Treble Choir, Tenor Bass Choir, Chamber Singers – $150 annual fee
- Jaguar Chorale – $170 annual fee
- Blue Print – $150 annual fee
Absolutely! And, we invite you to stay connected!
Instagram – @Flo_Mo_Choir
Twitter – @flomochoir
Facebook – Flower Mound HS Choir
Other online resources used by the FMHS Choir Program:
1. www.sightreadingfactory.com
2. www.charmsoffice.com
