CHS Choir Update #35
A Weekly Update from the CHS Choral Department
Greetings CHS Choir Family!
We hope this email finds each of you well and able to get out and enjoy this incredible weather we are having today. While it certainly does not make up for all of the cancelled plans, postponed celebrations, or limited access to our favorite Tex Mex places (I need queso, badly), I am truly grateful for the time to recenter, refocus, and recharge.
Moreover, I am truly grateful to still have the opportunity to engage with both students and our community during this time. Hearing your voices, whether through "hangouts," video assignments, and/or written letters has been a true blessing to my heart and spirit these past few weeks. Thank you for choosing to engage with me, your work, and most importantly each other.
My challenge from last week still stands: find ways to remain active, be creative, and continue fostering meaningful connections between you and those around you. Before too long, we will be back at it and we will long for a bit of calm and space and more time to spend with loved ones. By investing in one another today, we will most assuredly rise above and build a foundation for success that will last well beyond the impact of this virus.
This week's update includes updates about Choir Placements, Show Choir Auditions, Spring Banquet, Students Leadership Opportunities, and so much more. We hope that you will take some time to review this newsletter to ensure that you are up to speed on all program activities and our plans for moving forward together during our time apart.
With great love and admiration for each and every one of you,
Mr. Cooley
Student Placement & Audition Information
While we may not be able to return to campus this year, we still need to continue end of course vocal evaluations and choir placements for those students continuing in our program. Over the past few years we have moved this process almost entirely online. As in past years, all students will participate in some form of this process, as this is also an assessment of skills developed throughout the school year.
This year, full auditions will only be held for the Varsity Treble Choir and Chamber Singers. To do this we will use the following assignments and resources to determine placements:
- Vocal Tone/Range Assessment
- Singing Assessment (My Country Tis of Thee)
- Live Sight-Reading Assessment via Google Meet with Mr. Cooley.
All students are strongly encouraged to audition for placement in these groups as we believe they provide critical opportunities for students to sharpen both their character and musical skills. Mr. Cooley will use similar information collected through Google Classroom assignments during online instruction to determine placement for those not auditioning for these advanced ensembles.
For Those Intending to Audition for Chamber Singers
In addition to the elements listed above, students that desire to be considered for membership in Chamber Singers will be required to complete one additional assessment task. Music and Rehearsal Materials for this portion of the audition process will be posted in Google Classroom no later than Friday, May 1st. Students will record their personal performance against the backing tracks provided. Audition recordings will be turned in to Mr. Cooley via Google Form by Thursday, May 14th.
A general information meeting for parents and students will be held online via Google Meet TONIGHT at 6:30 PM. We will discuss program expectations, introduce new staff members, and talk about some exciting opportunities in the works for the upcoming school year. A link to tonight's meeting has been included below. All students are encouraged to attend tonight to learn more about this unique performance ensemble within our program.
Auditions for the 2020-2021 cast of Shades of Blue will be administered through Google Classroom. All students interested in auditioning for next year's group are asked to use this code "X3REFK3" to join and learn more about the group and this year's process. A copy of the applications, Choreography Videos, and other important documents have already been posted within this "classroom" for your review.
Save the Date Choir Fam!
In lieu of a Spring Banquet & Dance, the officers and I are fast at work developing a plan to help us celebrate the end of the school in the best possible way, while still remaining socially distant. We are in the process of compiling your nominations and will send out your final voting form this week!
CHS Choir Virtual Spring Banquet
When: Saturday, May 16th at 6:30 PM
What to Wear: Dress to impress - Wear that Prom Dress or the fanciest bathrobe you can find!
What's Going On: Come and join the fun as present awards, celebrate one another, and wrap up our year in style!
Put this on your calendar today! More information will be released in next week's update!
Senior Photos & Bios Still Needed
While the end of the school year may not be wrapping up as we hoped, we still want to be able to recognize and honor you during our closure. We are still missing input from five students. Please also take a moment to thoughtfully complete this form to help us recognize you during our end of the year celebrations.
Student Leadership Opportunities!
The development of leadership skills within our students is one of the primary goals of the Centennial HS Choral Department. Members of the Choir Council (all elected/appointed student leaders) do a great deal of behind the scenes work to assist in activities of the choral program.
Students interested in these roles are expected to serve as examples for all of our students through not only their words and actions, but also their rehearsal etiquette, general attitude, and overall involvement in the program. Chief among their responsibilities is the regular demonstration and support of the core values of our department.
All application items due to Mr. Cooley no later than Wednesday, May 6th at 5:00 PM. Only completed applications will be considered for advancement through the interview process.
Click the links below to learn more about this opportunity for service and how you can be involved with next year's leadership team. Help shape the future of the CHS Choir Program! Apply for Membership on the CHS Choir Council today!
Mr. Cooley's Office Hours
- Monday through Friday - 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM Communication received outside of these hours will be answered as promptly as possible.
- Email: ecooley@bisdmail.net.
- Phone: (682) 233-0343 (Google Voice)
- A Google Meeting Portal will be open daily from 1:00-1:45 PM for any students or parents that wish to check in face to face.
About Us
- Public Announcements - @20670
- Choraliers - @cfk7a
- Con Spirito - @spiritomen
- Cantare - @cantaretc
- Spartan Chorale - @20673
- Chamber Singers - @20672
- Shades of Blue - @ef34
- Spring Trip - @centtrips
Email: ecooley@bisdmail.net
Website: www.centennialhschoir.com
Location: 201 S Hurst Rd, Burleson, TX, United States
Phone: 817-245-0370
Facebook: facebook.com/centennialhschoir
Twitter: @centennialsings