Question 1

How many students are in choir?

Accepted Answer

Wylie East Choir serves approximately 520 singers in multiple ensembles. While the program is large, students are placed into smaller class communities where they can be known, supported, and challenged.  Classes are divided by gender and ability level.

Question 2

How do I/my singer find the most success in our program?  What can I do as a parent to best support them?

Accepted Answer

The most successful choir students are not always the most experienced singers. They are the students who show up prepared, communicate well, work hard, and learn how to be part of something bigger than themselves.  We provide you with all the tools to have the best experience - we just need a great attitude, and a willingness to try new things!  As a parent, just helping our students be good communicators and be organized with dates is so important.  Investing in their individual study through voice lessons is also hugely helpful in growing and gaining weekly individual feedback.  You do not have to be musical to be a great choir parent. The most helpful things parents can do are read communication, help students manage calendars, encourage preparation, volunteer when possible, support concerts, and speak positively about commitment and teamwork.

Question 3

Talk to me about the student experience.

Accepted Answer

Will my student know people?Maybe not at first, and that is okay. Choir is one of the best places on campus to find community. Students will build relationships through class, section work, concerts, retreats, and events.What if my student is shy?That is very common. Students do not have to be the loudest person in the room to thrive in choir. We help students build confidence gradually.What if my student has never taken private voice lessons?That is completely okay. Voice lessons are helpful but not required.What if my student cannot read music yet?Students enter with different levels of experience. We teach music literacy, sight-reading, vocal technique, ensemble skills, and performance habits over time.How can my student stand out in a positive way?Be prepared, be kind, be on time, communicate, work hard, support others, and take feedback well.

Question 4

What's important in our program?

Accepted Answer

The idea of "We Over Me" is the first thing we teach.  Even though we have 12 choirs, we have a common purpose of excellence, passion, and finding happiness through all we do.  Every choir and every student is important and we include all - no matter a student's ability level or experience.

Question 5

Is choir only for students who want to major in music?  What if they aren't a fine arts endorsement?

Accepted Answer

No. Choir is for students who love to sing, want to grow, want community, and want to be part of something meaningful. Some students pursue music beyond high school, but many participate because choir gives them confidence, friendships, discipline, joy, and belonging. Most of our students can participate in choir for four years without declaring a fine arts endorsement.

Question 6

Can my student be in choir and other activities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many choir students are involved in athletics, theatre, band, clubs, student leadership, and other activities. Communication and planning are key.

WELCOME TO WYLIE EAST CHOIR!

Frequently asked questions

How many students are in choir?

How do I/my singer find the most success in our program? What can I do as a parent to best support them?

Talk to me about the student experience.

What's important in our program?

Is choir only for students who want to major in music? What if they aren't a fine arts endorsement?

Can my student be in choir and other activities?