The AHS Choir Department offers a variety of performing organizations that meet the needs of all students interested in singing. Each choir caters to the specific strengths and weaknesses of each student with regard to their musical ability and the amount of time they are able to commit. All choirs offer some form of performance opportunities and focus on expanding the student’s knowledge and use of basic music theory, music history, sightreading methods, and proper breathing and vocal techniques. In addition to developing individual musical strengths, each group is designed to teach self-discipline and commitment while working together with others toward a common goal of excellence.

A Cappella Choir

The Varsity Mixed Choir at AHS is open to all students in grades 10-12, subject to audition. This choir will make up three of the UIL Varsity contest choirs (mixed, men, & women). In order to showcase and compete the A Cappella Men and Women, after school rehearsals will be required periodically throughout the year(February/March/April for UIL). Upper-level sightreading skills and superior singing ability are required. Consistent attendance, passing grades and a positive attitude are also required at ALL times throughout the year in order to remain in this ensemble. (See eligibility requirements on page 13 of the Choir Handbook.)

Chorale

This is a highly competitive non-varsity choir for treble voices in grades 10-12. Sightreading skills and vocal ability must be demonstrated by audition. This choir will compete in UlL Concert & Sightreading Contest and will sometimes combine with other women’s groups. Consistent attendance, passing grades and a positive attitude are required at ALL times throughout the year in order to remain in this ensemble. (See eligibility requirements on page 13 of the Choir Handbook.)

This is a competitive non-varsity choir for treble voices in grade 9. Freshmen that are placed in this group will be determined by previous participation in middle school choir AND a recommendation from that middle school director. Sightreading skills, vocal ability, consistent attendance, passing grades and a positive attitude are required at ALL times throughout the year in order to remain in this ensemble. This choir will compete in UlL Concert & Sightreading Contest and will sometimes combine with other women’s groups. (See eligibility requirements on page 13 of the Choir Handbook.)

This is a choir for treble voices in grades 9-12. This choir will focus on sightreading skills and proper vocal technique. The Concert Women will occasionally combine with other women’s groups. This choir will perform a variety of literature and perform on all concerts. Passing grades and a positive attitude are a must!

Open to all tenors and basses in grades 9-12, an audition is required for voicing purposes only. This choir will focus on sightreading skills and proper vocal technique. The men’s choir will perform alone and combine with the A Cappella Men to form a larger men’s ensemble. Prerequisites include a strong desire to sing, a positive attitude, and passing grades.

The Madrigal Singers are an auditioned curricular chamber group of SATB voicing. This ensemble will perform on the Fall and Christmas concerts, the Cabaret, Carols of Christmas and Showtime! This group demands a great deal of time, dedication and commitment year around. Prerequisites include stage presence, sightreading ability, strong vocal ability, a positive attitude, responsibility, and passing grades AT ALL TIMES.

Students who make this ensemble must be enrolled in the A Cappella Choir AND in the Madrigal Ensemble (two periods of choir). Please plan your schedules accordingly. An extra cleaning/costume alteration fee is required. See pg. 7 of the Choir Handbook.

Forté! is an auditioned extra-curricular show choir of SSA voicing. Members of this ensemble will be selected from the A Cappella Women and the Chorale. Forte! will sing a variety of pop and vocal jazz music, some of which involves choreography. They will be featured in the fall on the Cabaret and participate in off-campus community concerts in November and December. Forte! also participates in UlL Solo & Ensemble Contest in February and performs in Showtime! Prerequisites include stage presence, sightreading ability, vocal ability, coordination, a positive attitude, responsibility, and passing grades. Unexcused absences will be grounds for removal.

Students who become ineligible in ANY grading period will be removed immediately. An extra uniform is required. Tux pants, vest and tie are provided by the choir dept. Forte! members will need to purchase a white, tuxedo shirt and black character shoes. An extra cleaning/alteration fee is required. See pg. 7 of the Choir Handbook.

A course for those wishing to prepare for College Music Theory. This Honors Credit class is specifically designed for upperclassmen wishing to pursue a degree in Music. Prerequisites include enrollment in a music organization, a recommendation from the band, choir or orchestra director, intent to major in music, and completion of a Music Theory Pre-test.