Q. What choir classes are currently offered at Brenham ISD?
A. There are currently have 4 different ensembles that students can be involved in at Brenham ISD. There is a 7th-grade choir and the 8th-grade choir at Brenham Junior High and at Brenham High School students may participate in Cub Choir, Women’s Chorus and Varsity Chorale.
Q. What are some of the benefits and opportunities that being in choir offers?
A. Studies have shown that students who are engaged in music programs outperform their peers on many different levels including grade-point average, graduation rate, SAT/ACT scores, attendance and discipline referrals. It’s also important to understand that students who participate in choir learn more than how to “sing pretty.” They learn valuable skills like how to speak/sing confidently in front of a large crowd, how to handle high-pressure situations like auditions and contests, and how efficiently manage their time. Additionally, due to the growth in the choir program over the past few years, I have had to depend heavily upon student leadership. Student leaders not only learn how to sing but also how to conduct an ensemble, lead a section and offer critique. Students in choir also get the opportunity to travel. This summer we will be traveling to Branson Missouri where students will get to have a clinic and concert with the famous country singer Clay Cooper.
Q. Tell us about choir competitions.
A. All of the choirs in Brenham ISD compete at UIL and consistently earn high ratings. This past semester the Varsity and Women’s Chorus competed at the Texas Renaissance Music Festival where they both earned superior marks. In November they had a record number of Varsity members make the TMEA Region 27 Choir and recently Edin Inestroza and Mia Aschenbeck made Area. They will go in January to compete against the top singers from our Area for a spot in the ALL-State Choir. This is an extremely rigorous audition process and I am so proud of all my students for their hard work.
Q. How can students get involved in choir?
A. It is not too late for students to sign up for choir. Students and parents simply need to speak with their counselor to have choir added to their schedule for the spring semester. High school students wishing to join the Varsity choir will need to audition in April. The junior high and Cub Choir are excellent places to start for students who have never sung in a choir before or maybe just want to see what it is like. There is no audition or experience required for these ensembles. Women’s Chorus is also a great ensemble for high school girls who want to compete and perform around the community.
Q. What events do you have coming up?
A. We have a holiday concert on Thursday, December 12 at 6:30 pm in the BHS Auditorium. The theme is “Holiday Harmonies” and the choirs will be performing contest music as well as Christmas favorites like “Once Upon a December” from the musical Anastasia and Holy Night Silent Night. Admission is free so bring the whole family! There will also be a bake sale and silent auction with poinsettias during intermission.
