Thomas Baty
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Choir Members,
Welcome back! I cannot begin to express how excited I am to begin singing again this year!
I am so proud of the work CHS Choir students did last year, and so impressed with their skills, dedication, and good-natured attitudes. We are all hard at work re-building the momentum that we lost during the pandemic, and I know we won’t squander this opportunity keep the ball rolling after a very successful 2022-2023 school year. There have been some very obvious changes to the CHS Choral Program this year. I am now dividing my time between the CRA band program and the Capital High Choirs, and my excellent colleague Mr. Zach Harris is going to be lending his expertise with the instruction of the Tenor-Bass Ensemble.
I am excited for the wonderful music we will engage and the amazing experiences we will share.
It is important to me to maintain a co-operative and communicative network with parents. This helps to ensure that students have great musical experiences and outstanding choirs. Please do not hesitate to email me or Mr. Harris with questions or concerns at school: tbaty@helenaschools.org; zharris@helenaschools.org.
I am so excited to be making music with the Capital High School students again, and I cannot wait to hear what we will accomplish this year!
All the Best,
Thomas Baty
Capital High School Choirs
Concert Schedule
October 9 – 7:00 – CHS Auditorium
October 18-20 – MMEA (All-State) – Missoula
November 13-14 AA Festival – Bozeman
December 4 – 7:00 – CHS Auditorium
December 18 – Afternoon – Capitol Rotunda
January 24-27 – ACDA Northwest
February 26 – 7:00 – Concert with CRA – CHS Auditorium
Feb. 29-Mar. 1 – Jazz Tour – All Day – Helena Schools
March 11 – 7:00 – CHS Auditorium
April 11-13 – District Music Festival – Solo/Ensemble @ Bozeman
May 3-4 – State Music Festival @ Helena (HHS)
May 16 – 7th Grade Festival – HMS
May 20 – 6:00 – CHS Gym
About Capital High School Choirs
Jazz Choir
This is a select choir of up to 16 voices. Membership will vary based on ability and voicing. This class emphasizes repertoire in pop and jazz styles, and requires a skillful ear to hear and maintain close harmonies. Students will study music theory, sight reading, and music appreciation through class participation, performances and District Music Festival. Prerequisite(s): Audition and selection required -AND- Concurrent enrollment in a music class.
Saturday’s Children Choir
This is the most advanced large ensemble at Capital High School. Members are required to have taken Tenor-Bass Choir, Jubilettes, or Treble Choir or show exceptional ability. This group is a touring choir. Members should be prepared to fund-raise for tours and traveling opportunities. Students will study music theory, sight reading, and music appreciation through class participation, performances and District Music Festival. Prerequisite(s): Audition and selection required.
Jubilettes Choir
This is a select treble choir. Members are required to have at least one year in Treble Choir, or show exceptional ability. This group is a touring choir. Members should be prepared to fund-raise for tours and traveling opportunities. Students will study music theory, sight reading, and music appreciation through class participation, performance and District Music Festival. Prerequisite(s): Audition and selection required
Tenor-Bass Choir
This class is an opportunity for any male student or student with a voice in the tenor or bass range, grades 9-12, who has a special interest in singing. No student will be refused admittance. Students will study music theory, sight reading, and music appreciation through class participation, performances and District Music Festival. Prior choir experience is helpful, but not necessary. No audition is required.
Treble Choir
This class is an opportunity for any female student or student with a voice in the treble range, grades 9-12, who has a special interest in singing. No student will be refused admittance except where there is limitation in space facilities, or good vocal balance dictates otherwise. Students will study music theory, sight-reading, and music appreciation through class participation, performances, and District Music Festival. Prior choir experience is helpful, but not necessary. No audition is required.
Modern Band
This class is a new offering this year. It is a unique class designed to teach the skills required to create and maintain a modern music ensemble (i.e. rock band). Students will have exposure to guitars and keyboard instruments as well as drums and auxiliary percussion. The goal is to create an engaging musical experience in which students are encouraged to try new things, make mistakes and learn by doing.