What goes on behind the curtains of chorus?

There are often many misconceptions that come with chorus. Students sometimes think that chorus is an easy-A class and all students do is sing.  When one sings, musical vibrations transform physical and emotional outlooks. Group singing is an exhilarating experience for those who do it. It takes special compassion to sing with a group of people and to make perfect harmonies in front of an audience.

“People underestimate the power and beauty of using their voices in a choral setting,” said sophomore Katiana Wu. “We, the instruments, work together in harmony to make music.”

Students work throughout the year to prepare for a concert once a quarter. The singers work every other day to learn the music and get the lyrics and harmonies down pat so that by the time concert time comes, they are ready to perform. The winter concert will be Tuesday, Dec. 19.

“People think chorus is mainly for kids but it can be done by anyone who puts in the work and tries,” said freshman Weston George.

Students also get the opportunity to make their own arrangements and audition for choirs throughout the county.

Another misunderstanding of chorus is that only girls can sing and that it’s a “girls only” class.

“Chorus is absolutely a good class for boys,” said chorus teacher Mignon Dobbins. “Because there tends to be fewer boys in the classes, there are more opportunities for guys throughout the county and state.”

Many people think of church choirs when they think of chorus, but there is much more throughout schools and small communities, including glee clubs and show choirs.

“The more you use your voice the more you learn to navigate it,” Dobbins said.

Chorus at Reagan branches off into different choirs. There are six including the First Ladies, Voz Alta, Vox Nova, Reagan A Cappella, Muses and Bella Voce.

The First Ladies is an all-female group consisting mainly of freshmen and sophomores, but all grades are welcome. To be in this group, students must audition or be recommended by a previous teacher.  The girls all sing together.

“First Ladies is really good this year,” said sophomore Sarah Gruver. “My favorite part is singing with a group of girls that are interested in the same thing and different in our own ways. We support each other.”

Vox Nova and Voz Alta are non-auditioned choirs, open to anyone. Voz Alta comes from the Spanish words for “tall voice” or “high voice.” Voz Alta is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors, while Vox Nova is open to any freshmen.

“I love meeting new friends and singing songs with the boys,” George said.

Reagan’s a capella group is the more contemporary group that does pop or more popular music.

“A lot of the music we do is really fun,” said sophomore Janie Gifford. “We do a lot of contemporary pieces, and the people are so nice. Chorus has really helped me improve my literacy.”

Muses is the newest choir this year. This choir is also an all-female group for students, comprising a smaller and more select groups of young ladies.

“Being in Muses is a lot of fun, and since I’m a freshman and most of the girls in the choir are older, and it is so much fun out hang out with older girls,” said freshman Charlotte Turner. “We do lots of cool songs and different variations and it’s a really fun class.”

For the winter concert the First Ladies and Muses will combine for some pieces for some powerful pieces.

Bella Voce, Italian for “beautiful voices,” is the school’s mixed choir featuring all genders and grades.

“I think chorus is good for boys because some of the low notes can’t be hit by women,” George said.

Each choir plays an important role in the chorus department and they all are different in their own ways.  Chorus works hard all year not just singing. Their next performance is Dec 14. Go out and support your singing Raiders.