Thomas Baty
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Choir Members,
It is my sincere pleasure to welcome back our hard-working singers. I hope that everyone has had an opportunity to resume some kind of normal activity during these last Summer months. I know how difficult it is to strike the proper balance for living life safely in these times. I am beyond excited to begin fresh this school year and get back to doing what we love: making music!
I hardly need to remind anyone of the kinds of challenges we faced last school year. As a result, there are a great many skills we will be working to catch up on including: music reading, individual and ensemble tone production, and active listening. This year will definitely be a strange one, but I believe that there is tremendous potential for our singers to dig deep and progress beyond what we have yet experienced. Throughout the year, it is crucial that all members approach the year with an abundance of patience and grace. We are all trying our best to pick up the pieces as we simultaneously navigate our recovery from last year and the looming threat of new variants.
It is always a priority of mine to maintain a cooperative and communicative network with parents. This helps to ensure that students have premium musical experiences and a solid framework of support both in and out of class. The best way to contact me is by email. Please do not hesitate to do so with any questions or concerns: tbaty@helenaschools.org.
I am so excited to be making music with the Capital High School students again, and I cannot wait to share and experience the musical achievements of another year.
All the Best,
Thomas Baty
Director of Choirs, Capital High School
Concert Schedule
OCTOBER 11…………………….…..……CHS FALL CONCERT @ 7:00 PM
October 20-22…………………..………….MMEA All-State Festival in Great Falls
(Selected Students)
November 8-9.……………………………………..…AA Choral Festival in Helena
(Saturday’s Children, Jazz)
DECEMBER 6…………………..……..CHS WINTER CONCERT @ 7:00 PM
December 16-17……………………….……Jazz Choir tour to elementary schools
February 24…………………………………………………………..Concert with CRA 8TH Grade
(Possibly at CHS?) (Saturday’s Children, Jazz)
MARCH 14……………………..……….CHS SPRING CONCERT @ 7:00 PM
APRIL 8………………………………DISTRICT MUSIC FESTIVAL @ HMS
April 9………………………………………………………..District Music Festival
(Solo and Ensemble) @ Bozeman
May 6-7………………………………………..…….State Music Festival @ Helena
MAY 21-22…………………..……………..DESSERT SHOW PREPARATION
MAY 23……………………..…CHS POP CONCERT AND DESSERT SHOW
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.