CHOIR DEPARTMENT
Welcome to all students, parents, and visitors to the Westside High School Choral Program website!
The 2007-2008 school year brought a new standard of excellence to Westside High School. The collaborative commitment of students, parents, faculty, staff, and their new director, Mr. Carson, brought new traditions to an outstanding school in the Houston Independent School District.
Throughout the year, members of the organization participated in competitions and collaborative programs sharing their talents with the Houston community. In the Spring, members of the choral program participated in Disney Festival in Orlando, Florida where they received an “Excellent” rating from the judges. Most importantly, were the successes of the choral program at the annual UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest.” Two of the three choirs received “Sweepstakes” Trophies from all the judges.
The 2008-2009 school year promises to be even a better year. The choral program is experiencing an increase in membership, more performing opportunities, continued involvement in UIL activities, participation in the Texas Renaissance Choral Festival and Spring in the Park Music Festival’s, and other community based activities.
For more information about becoming a member of the choir program, contact Mr. Carson at 281-920-8008 or email jcarson2@houstonisd.org.
STAFF
Jason A. Carson, Director of Choral Activities jcarson2@houstonisd.org
Phone 281-920-8008
Fax 281-920-8059
AUDITIONS, TRY-OUTS, OR PRE-REQUISITES
All students wishing to participate in the Vocal Music Program are encouraged to make an appointment with Mr. Carson for an audition. During the audition, the director will vocalize the student to check vocal range, tone quality, and tonal memory. The student will then be asked to sight-read a piece of music. (If you can’t sight-read, don’t worry. It is the director’s job to teach you how to sight-read.)
Membership in the Choir program is open to any student who loves to sing and is a person of good character
REQUIREMENTS
Placement in the Westside High School Vocal Music Department is based on sight-singing ability, tonal memory, tone quality, and positive attitude. All students in varsity level ensembles must remain academically eligible throughout the entire year and participate in all TMEA/UIL activities. Students enrolled in non-varsity ensembles are encouraged to participate in all varsity level activities, but not required.
All students are expected to be at all rehearsals and performances. And, students are required to pay a Fair Share Assessment Fee to help off set the expenses of the program.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
All Westside High School Vocal Ensembles perform frequently within the Houston area, and perform several school concerts thought out the year. Please refer to our WHS calendar for updates on concert dates and times.
2008-09 Choir Program Calendar Dates
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
We’re getting ready for 2008-09!
- WHS ALL-STATE CHOIR CAMP for students interested in auditioning for the Texas All-State Choir will be August 12-15 from1:00-5:00 PM in the WHS Choir Room
- WHS FRESHMEN CHOIR PARTY is August, 14 from 5:00-7:00 PM in the WHS Choir Room
- WHS BACK TO SCHOOL CHOIR CAMP for all choir students is Friday, August 22 from1:00-5:00 PM in the WHS Choir Room
- WHS CHAMBER SINGERS perform the NATIONAL ANTHEM at the HOUSTON TEXANS GAME on Thursday, August 28 at Reliant Stadium
- WHS CHOIR “BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY” is Friday, August 29 from 4:00-7:00 PM at George W. Bush Park