Incoming sophomores in 2024-25

TO REGISTER FOR any of the
10TH GRADE CHOIR Options, SELECT:
9-12TH GRADE CHOIR MU4X02S1, MU4X02S2
WHEN REGISTERING IN INFINITE CAMPUS.

EHS sophomores continue their choir experience by building on the fundamentals of ninth grade choir. However, students new to choir are welcome to join the program in any year while at EHS.

• Option 1: intermediate-level choirs: HORNET CHORALE and COUGAR CHORUS; neither of these choirs require audition

• Option 2: advanced choirs: BEL CANTO (soprano/alto) and CANTEMUS (tenor/bass); members selected by audition the previous spring

Continue reading below for information about sophomore choir options.

HORNET CHORALE & Cougar Chorus

What’s in a name? The names honor the nine-year co-existence (1972-1981) of Edina-East H.S. (“hornets”) & Edina-West H.S. (“Cougars”). Both schools’ contributions still influence our choral program today.

Many EHS sophomores sing in one of these two intermediate-level choirs. No audition is required.

Hornet Chorale

Register for 9-12th Grade Choir MU4X02S1, MU4X02S2
PREREQUISITE: None
GRADE: 10, 11, 12
LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2
MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Fine Arts Elective
OUT OF CLASS WORK: Periodically

HORNET CHORALE is a full-year, non-auditioned choir for 10th-12th graders (soprano I, soprano II, and alto - SSA) that seeks to develop good vocal techniques through rehearsal and performance experience. The study of music theory, music history, vocal technique, and sight-singing are also incorporated into rehearsals. Repertoire for this choir ranges from traditional choral literature to contemporary pop arrangements. Attendance is required at the Fall Concert, the Winter Concert and the Happenin’ Concert in the spring. Additional combined rehearsals may also be held outside the school day in preparation for each individual concert.

Cougar Chorus

Register for 9-12th Grade Choir MU4X02S1, MU4X02S2
PREREQUISITE: None
GRADE: 10, 11, 12
LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2
MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Fine Arts Elective
OUT OF CLASS WORK: Periodically

COUGAR CHORUS is a full-year, non-auditioned choir for 10th-12th graders (tenor I, tenor II and bass – TTB) that seeks to develop good vocal techniques through rehearsal and performance experience. The study of music theory, music history, vocal technique, and sight-singing are also incorporated into rehearsals. Repertoire for this choir ranges from traditional choral literature to contemporary pop arrangements. Attendance is required at the Fall Concert, the Winter Concert and the Happenin’ Concert in the spring. Additional combined rehearsals may also be held outside the school day in preparation for each individual concert.

Auditioned-options: Bel Canto & Cantemus

Tenth-grade students who seek an advanced choral experience are eligible to audition for either Bel Canto or Cantemus, depending on voice type. These choirs are comprised primarily of select juniors and seniors, with a small number of sophomores who demonstrate advanced abilities and readiness for the ensembles.

Bel Canto

Register for 9-12th Grade Choir MU4X02S1, MU4X02S2
PREREQUISITE: Audition
GRADE: 10, 11, 12
LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2
MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Fine Arts Elective
OUT OF CLASS WORK: Periodically

Bel Canto Choir (10, 11, 12) is a full-year, auditioned choir designed especially for the rehearsal and performance of three and four-part treble music (soprano I, soprano II, alto I, and alto II). Repertoire for Bel Canto ranges from advanced traditional choral literature to contemporary pop arrangements. Auditions with the directors are required in the spring. Vocal technique and basic sight-reading skills are part of each rehearsal. When applicable and appropriate, fundamentals of music theory and music history are reviewed. Attendance is required at each performance, which includes the Fall Concert, Winter Concert, and the Happenin’ Concert.

Cantemus

Register for 9-12th Grade Choir MU4X02S1, MU4X02S2
PREREQUISITE: Audition
GRADE: 10, 11, 12
LENGTH: Full Year, S1 and S2
MEETS REQUIREMENT FOR: Fine Arts Elective
OUT OF CLASS WORK: Periodically

Cantemus Choir is a full-year, auditioned choir designed especially for the rehearsal and performance of three and four-part tenor-bass music (tenor I, tenor II, baritone, bass). Repertoire for Cantemus ranges from advanced traditional choral literature to contemporary pop arrangements. Auditions with the directors are required in the spring. Vocal technique and basic sight-reading skills are part of each rehearsal. When applicable and appropriate, fundamentals of music theory and music history are reviewed. Attendance is required at each performance, which includes the Fall Concert, Winter Concert, and the Happenin’ Concert.

Choral audition & placement information

It is our goal to place singers in the appropriate choir based and their skill and readiness.  For students seeking membership in one of the auditioned choirs, the following factors are considered in choir placement:

• Evaluation of rehearsal skills throughout the school year

• Evaluation of singing assessments throughout the year

• Mid-year evaluation

• Mid-year audition (Jan/Feb)

• End-of-year audition (May/June)

Choir students will be given feedback periodically throughout the school year, as well as after the mid-year audition to identify strength and weaknesses.  Students will be notified of final choir placement for the following school year via U.S. Mail in early June.

additional opportunities for sophomores:

• 9th-12th grade TTB Ensemble (weekly extra-curricular chamber choir)

• 10th-12th grade SSA Ensemble (weekly extra-curricular chamber choir)

• MN-State Honor Choirs

• All-State Choir

• Edina Men’s Chorus

• Spring Concert Special Acts

• Holiday Season Caroling

• National Anthem Singers