Build your singing skills in a fun, challenging program that focuses on putting students first.  We have three choirs and many opportunities to sing at South Eugene High School.

OUR CHOIRS
directed by CHRIS DOBSON

Click to download the 2016-2017 Choir Syllabus.

The TYRO CHOIR EXPERIENCE (TCE) is designed for students in any grade who wish to sing in choir.  All voice types are welcome and no audition is necessary.  TCE functions as a choir, a music lab and an experience-driven workshop.  There will be rehearsals and performances like other choirs, but students will also get unique experiences like Q&A sessions with local industry experts, frequent field trips, masterclasses with the best singers in town, fun bonding activities and more. TCE will rehearse and perform all kinds of fun and challenging music, from old madrigals to jazz and even new music arranged just for this choir.  

The CONCERT CHOIR is the large varsity-level choral ensemble at South Eugene High School, generally comprised of more than 60 singers.  This choir is designed for experienced singers with some knowledge of music theory and aural skills.  The ensemble performs a varied repertoire including early music, choral works from various world cultures, large choral works such as baroque cantatas, as well as contemporary choral literature.   This choir represents our school each year at the district choir festival.  Auditions are open first to members of Tyro Choir Experience, then to any student at South and typically take place in the Spring of the preceding school year.  Freshmen will only be admitted if accepted by audition and concurrently enrolled in TCE.  A second round of auditions may be held in September to balance voice parts.  CLICK HERE for more information about auditions. 

The DORIANS JAZZ CHOIR is an advanced ensemble that performs primarily jazz music.  This choir is designed for students with advanced understanding of music theory and aural skills.  The group performs jazz genres including swing, bebop, Latin, ballads, funk and blues, mostly amplified with a rhythm section.  Since this group performs highly-challenging repertoire, members are expected to practice their music outside of class, alone and in small groups.  This group also performs more often than the other choirs.  Since it is a small group with only 16-20 singers, each member must be highly dedicated to the ensemble.  All singers in the Dorians Jazz Choir are also expected to participate in Concert Choir.  Auditions are open first to members of Concert Choir, then to members of Tyro Choir Experience, then to any student at South and typically take place in the Spring of the preceding school year.  Freshmen will only be admitted if accepted by audition and concurrently enrolled in TCE and Concert Choir.    A second round of auditions may be held in September to balance voice parts at the director's discretion.  CLICK HERE for more information about auditions.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

The SOUTH EUGENE HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR COUNCIL is a group of students who help implement the vision of the choir department by facilitating performances, educational and fun experiences for the other students and communication among choir members.  Joining Choir Council means taking on a leadership role both during rehearsal and outside of class time.  The Council meets about once per month to plan and discuss the various experiences, expectations and functions of our choir department.  Check the Choir Council Dates page for our meeting schedule.  Apply online to join Choir Council now!

Each year, South Eugene High School hosts the VOCAL THROWDOWN.  This unique singing competition brings the best singers from each high school in the Eugene/Springfield area to sing for a high-energy crowd of excited admirers.  Singers perform any song of their choice from any genre, vying for judge's favor and audience votes.  The prizes and bragging rights aside, the show is a great experience for singers to build camaraderie and connections for the future of vocal performance in our community.  Blind auditions are held for the two students who will represent South Eugene High School.  Click Here for information.  The date varies, so check THE CALENDAR for dates and deadlines.

Traditional South students who desire to continue in vocal music performance after high school are encouraged to complete a Career-Aligned Mastery (CAM) Project in either Vocal Performance or Music Theory.  Preparations for these projects begin Junior year.  Check THIS LINK for more information about CAM Projects at South.

Our students participate in myriad other extra-curricular singing experiences including summer camps, community choirs, voice lessons, district and state solo and ensemble festivals, All-State Choir and All-Northwest Choir.  Information about these various experiences can be obtained from our LINKS page and from the director outside of class time.  Check THE CALENDAR for more information about dates and deadlines.  Many of our singers also participate in our phenomenal, award-winning drama department.  CLICK HERE for more information.