TIME & FINANCIAL COMMITMENT

How much does being in choir cost? Is any financial need available for low-income students?

Choir is one of the least expensive activities on campus. We collect a $100 choir fee that lasts for the whole year and includes all of the things needed for the year, including uniform rental, dry cleaning, music, binder, materials, social events, t-shirt, some travel costs, and more. Finances should never keep a student from participating in choir and we have ways to be able to help any and all students in need.  Optional events such as choir tours, contest entry fees, etc. do cost extra, but our Raider Area Choir Booster Club offers scholarship opportunities for students in need!

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What are the outside time commitments for being in choir?

There are very few outside of school events that are required of all students. There are generally five evening concerts throughout the year and all other events either are optional or occur during the school day. We are adamant about setting a strong calendar for the year and sticking to it, so parents and families can plan their events.

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Do the choir programs travel?

Raider Choirs travel throughout the Metroplex each year and ALL CHOIRS are welcome on our annual choir tour, which operates on a three-year rotation. Past trips have included Branson, San Antonio, Houston/Galveston, Colorado, England, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.

 

The rotation is as follows (location announcements occur in January each year).

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2025-2026: Small Tour - Texas Tour

2026-2027: Medium Tour - New York City

2027-2028: Large Tour (generally international travel) - TBD

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GETTING INVOLVED

How can I best prepare for high school choir events over the summer?

Choir is a "choose your own adventure" kind of event. There is nothing you need to do over the summer except enjoy singing! If you are interested in individual contests like All-Region/All-State, there are summer camps at colleges and universities you can attend, plus we have our back-to-school brush up camp at the end of July. More information will be shared with students and parents as those events near.

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As a parent, how can I be involved in volunteering?

The Raider Area Choir Booster Club is an active organization that supports all choir students through scholarships, meals, and organization of events. For more information, please see the Raider Area Choir Booster Club page on this website.

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What kind of leadership opportunities are available?

The Wylie East Choir Council is comprised of students from every choir on campus. We have a president that serves as the overall leader of the program (12th grader), a vice-president who is the leader for their choir, as well as other positions that can be from any student in choir: secretary, facilities manager and assistant, historian, chaplain, librarian, and uniform manager. Choir elections take place in May and August.

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How do I participate in competitive events like All-Region/All-State or Solo & Ensemble?

As we get closer to these events, directors will send information on how to enter. These are incredible opportunities for you to grow, make new friends, and push yourself to the next level. There are even college scholarships available for those that make the All-State Choir!

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CHOIR PLACEMENTS

What choirs are available to me as a ninth grader?

Ninth grade students will be placed in one of four choirs, based on voice type and ability. Our beginning choirs are Concert Tenor-Bass and Concert Treble Choir, and our intermediate choirs are Select Tenor-Bass and Select Treble. Placement in a select ensemble requires a choir placement with a choral director in the spring. More information will be shared with students through Google Classroom and/or their junior high choral director.

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How can I be a part of one of the pop/show choirs (Out of the Blue or Blue Horizon)?

Pop/show choirs are open to 10th-12th graders by audition. Students must be enrolled in a regular choir class and in show choir to be a part of the group, so they will need 2 elective spots. Auditions occur in the spring each year. Students can elect to take the course as a PE credit if needed.  We are thrilled you are considering joining! Email a director with any questions you might have or talk to any of our 375+ students. We want you to feel welcome! We have MANY students that join choir for the first time in high school and love it.

SCHEDULING & ENDORSEMENT QUESTIONS

Is it true that I can earn a PE credit through choir?

Yes, participation in show choir can earn you a PE credit!

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How do I make choir work with my endorsement?  

A listing of all of our endorsement plans and how choir can work for 4 years is listed here:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1av4oL4Gyu_-PV-A8BJX1cRdTzC5sRur0?usp=share_link 

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Do you have more information on summer school/distance learning courses that are available so I can have more room in my schedule?

Our WEHS counselors are amazing and can help you with any questions on summer school. Our students have found these classes to be very accessible and have loved having more elective opportunities through enrollment. Check out the counselor page at https://www.wylieisd.net/Page/17135.

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Do I have to be a fine arts endorsement to be in choir?

Not at all! We have students in practically every endorsement on campus. Colleges don't actually care about your endorsement and it doesn't even show on your transcript. It's only about a "through path" so many of our students who go on to major in other things but are in choir for four years end up selecting fine arts/choir as endorsement but still study pursuits in the sciences, math, English, etc.

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How do choir placements work, when do they happen, and when are the results posted?

Choir placements are NOTHING to be stressed over. They consist of a conversation, a range check, and a short music literacy check! They occur in the spring and more information will be shared by the choral directors as events near. Results are posted the last week of school.

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ABOUT THE CHOIR PROGRAM

What happens in a typical day in choir?

A typical day in choir is a lot of energy and a lot of fun! Typically, we start the rehearsal by coming together as a team, breathing and stretching together, centering our mind at the task at hand, and beginning vocal warm-up. We follow by sight-reading, and then working music selections as we prepare for concerts. Many days, we have really fun and engaging activities that help you to make friends, laugh, and leave choir smiling!

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What is the choir program like?

Our students have described choir as a family-like atmosphere where they can relax, take their stress away, make and experience music together, and make friends that last them a lifetime. And we want YOU!

 

Hear from the words of our students:

 

Ava Sproull, Class of 2026

"Being a member of this choir program is an unforgettable, unique experience. There is a spot for every individual leaving no one feeling excluded. The community is, without a doubt, unconditionally loving and accepting."

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Nathan Jacob, Class of 2027

"The choir department we have at East is more than just music. It’s a community. Wylie East Choir has shaped me not only as a better musician, but as a better friend, peer, and all around person. It has taught me compassion, motivation, the idea of having a positive attitude, and so much more!! Choir is my love and joy, and having the ability to do what I love with the people I most cherish makes the experience even more worth it. If you are looking for a place free of judgment and a love for music, take the leap and join choir and see what’s awaiting you!!"

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Taliyah Williams, Class of 2026

"During my time in choir, I have grown as a person and my love for music has grown exponentially. Being apart of the choir program made me see what true leadership looks like, and sharing a passion of music with so many individuals. I will forever cherish the experiences I had; whether it was the choir trips or just hanging out in the choir room, the warmth and love I felt throughout it all is something I will forever hold in my heart."

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Nixon Fraughton, Class of 2026

"Choir has been one of the best experiences of my life! I've gotten to tour many places, sing many songs, and meet new people. The best part of choir is connection: connecting with songs you never thought you would and connecting with people on a whole personal level that will live on forever. "Thank you for the music" Raider Choir!"

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