Mission

Ensembles

Clear Lake High School has five choral ensembles. All choirs study and practice vocal technique, sight-reading, and rehearsal and performance skills appropriate to their level. Four of our ensembles focus on repertoire of the western art music tradition (i.e. “classical” music) with frequent extensions into non-western music with some opportunities for contemporary commercial music (e.g. “pop” music and jazz): Concert Choir, Men’s Choir, Symphonic Chorale, and Varsity Women’s Choir. One ensemble focuses on contemporary commercial music with extensions into other musical genres/traditions depending on gigs: Soundwaves.

CONCERT CHOIR

…is our non-varsity treble choir and consists of all female choir students in grades 9-12 who are not in Varsity Women’s Choir or Symphonic Chorale. However, varsity students may enroll in this ensemble if participating in a student leadership role. Afternoon rehearsals will occur approximately once a month. There is no limit on the number of students enrolled. Members of this ensemble are encouraged to participate in the TMEA All-State Choir process, Voice Lessons, and the Solo and Ensemble Contest.

MEN’S CHOIR

…is our tenor-bass choir and consists of all male choir students in grades 9-12 who are not in Symphonic Chorale. This ensemble will compete at either the varsity or non-varsity level depending on student skill attainment. Afternoon rehearsals will occur approximately once per month. Men’s Choir is open to grades 9-12. There is no limit on the number of students enrolled. Members of this ensemble are encouraged to participate in the TMEA All-State Choir process, Voice Lessons, and the Solo and Ensemble Contest.

SOUNDWAVES

…is our small vocal ensemble consisting of students in any choir who are sufficiently skilled and motivated to perform contemporary commercial music repertoire from the early 1900s to the present (i.e. “pop” music including jazz, musical theatre, pop a cappella, and other genres in which enrolled students may be interested). Soundwaves will be the primary choir for community engagement gigs such as school functions, athletic activities, and community and corporate events. Stylistic flexibility necessitates enrollment in another choir in addition to Soundwaves where the foundations of vocal technique will be developed. Enrollment numbers will vary between approximately 12 and 24 students depending on auditions. Afternoon rehearsals will occur approximately once per week. Members of this ensemble are required to participate in the TMEA All-State Choir process or audition for the CLHS musical and are highly encouraged to take Voice Lessons and participate in the Solo and Ensemble Contest.

SYMPHONIC CHORALE

…is our varsity mixed choir and is limited to 32 male and female students in grades 9-12. Varsity Women’s Choir students may also enroll in this choir depending on auditions. Afternoon rehearsals will occur approximately once per week. Members of this ensemble are required to participate in the TMEA All-State Choir process and are highly encouraged to take Voice Lessons and participate in the Solo and Ensemble Contest.

VARSITY WOMEN’S CHOIR

…is our varsity treble choir and is limited to 32 female students in grades 9-12. Female Symphonic Chorale students may also enroll in this choir depending on auditions. Afternoon rehearsals will occur approximately once per week. Members of this ensemble are required to participate in the TMEA All-State Choir process and are highly encouraged to take Voice Lessons and participate in the Solo and Ensemble Contest.