Thomas Baty
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Choir Members,
I am so very excited for the opportunity to welcome singers new and experienced back to choir class at Capital High School. It goes without saying that last Spring was an unfortunate debacle and none of us was able to close the year like we wanted or deserved. While I have high hopes that we will have many opportunities for in-person instruction this school year, there are, of course, still many known and unknown challenges ahead of us.
I would like to begin with a very important truth about this year: It will not feel like normal. It is likely that none of our classes will be rehearsing fully choral music, and we may not have a single “normal” performance. What I can promise, however, is that music-making will continue. When circumstances allow, in-person instruction will include elements of singing in solo and small ensemble settings.
In the opening weeks of school each student will determine one of two online “paths” that will allow them to earn credit for vocal music:
- Music Fundamentals: In an online format, this path will be largely composed of written and music listening assignments.
- Vocal Performance: In an online format, students that choose this path will be responsible for submitting recordings of themselves. Students on this path will effectively be receiving free voice lessons.
While I feel as many of you do that there can be no substitute for the experience of singing in a choral ensemble, health and safety needs demand that we seek out alternatives. I promise that I will do all I can to help each student continue to develop as a confident musician and vocalist. Life is what you make of it. I encourage you to seize every opportunity to continue to grow and learn.
All the Best,
Thomas Baty
Director of Choirs, Capital High School
Upcoming Events
October 6, 2020
November 9, 2020 – November 12, 2019
- AA Choral Festival
- Cancelled
December 1, 2020
- Winter Concert
- Begins @ 7:00 pm in CHS Auditorium
- Mandatory for all choir students.
- VERY TENTATIVE – Only if we are in PHASE 3
December 15, 2020
- Jazz Choir Tour
- Local tour of elementary schools and assisted living facilities.
- During school hours.
- VERY TENTATIVE – Only if we are in PHASE 3
February 20, 2020
- CRA/CHS Combined Concert
- Tentative Date
- Only affects Saturday’s Children and Jazz Choirs.
- Details TBA
- VERY TENTATIVE – Only if we are in PHASE 3
March 8, 2020
- Spring Concert
- Begins @ 7:00 pm in CHS Auditorium
- Mandatory for all choir students.
- VERY TENTATIVE – Only if we are in PHASE 3
April 8, 2021 – April 10, 2021
- District Music Festival
- Thursday evening and all day Friday at Helena Middle School, all day Saturday at Helena High School.
- Thursday/Friday is mandatory for all choir students. Saturday is optional.
- VERY TENTATIVE – Only if we are in PHASE 3
May 7, 2021 – May 8, 2021
- State Music Festival
- Optional.
- Students who receive a “Superior” rating for a solo or small ensemble at District Music Festival are eligible to participate.
- @ Missoula
- VERY TENTATIVE – Only if we are in PHASE 3
May 24, 2021
- Dessert Show/Final Concert
- Begins @ 6:30 pm in CHS Gymnasium
- Mandatory for all choir students.
- Fundraiser for the choir program. Tickets are pre-sold.
- All students must help set up for at least one hour during the weekend prior.
- VERY TENTATIVE – Only if we are in PHASE 3
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.
Weekly Checklist
Week 6 Checklist (9/28)
Monday
☐ Goals
Tuesday
☐ Prompt
Wednesday
☐ NO MEETINGS THIS WEEK
Thursday
☐ Wellness Survey
Friday
☐ Goal reflection
Other Assignments
☐ How the Voice Works
☐ Cantabile Anchor 11
☐ DLI ONLY Rhythm Assignment
☐ Continue to work on Vocal Solos (everyone except DLI Music Fundamentals students)