Choir Auditions (2024-2025 Placement)

Q: Who has to audition and what is the audition for?

A: If you would like to sing in Concert Choir, our entry-level choir, you will not have to audition. If you would like to stay in the choir you're currently enrolled in, you will not have to audition. However, if you would like to sing in Treble Choir or Crimson Choir, you would have to complete an audition.

Q: When are auditions?

A: Auditions will occur some time in March. Please pay attention to the announcements around that time for more information.

Q: What will I have to do for the audition?

A: The audition will consist of four parts. 1) You will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" in the key provided. 2) You will sing a short sight-reading exercise. You will hear the starting pitch and tonality, and then you will have 30 seconds to look it over first. You may sing it on solfege, or a neutral syllable like "la" or "doo." Please note: The sight-reading portion of the audition is weighted for far less than the others parts of the audition. ALL sight-reading experience levels are welcome!

Q: Who is judging the audition?

A: Ms. Stacks

Q: How do I apply to be section leader?

A: To be considered for section leader, you must schedule an interview with Ms. Stacks. More information on this will be available after the choir audition results are made public.

Q: How large will each choir be next year?

A: Crimson Choir will have 20-25 singers. Treble Choir will have 15-20 singers. These numbers may fluctuate based on the amount of singers in Concert Choir.

Meet the Choirs...

Concert Choir (entry level mixed)

The Concert Choir performs high quality literature for mixed voices. The curriculum is designed to cover the basic foundations of music reading and music theory for the beginning musician, to extend the abilities of more advanced students, and to increase singing confidence and aptitude. The Concert Choir is a performing ensemble with its own schedule of public appearances, including concerts at OTHS. Members are eligible to participate in any choral extracurricular activities, including Overboard, ILMEA District and All-State music festivals, IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest, IHSA Organizational Contest, OEHS Music Festival, and auditioning to sing the National Anthem for Home sports events.

Treble Choir (intermediate treble)

The Treble Choir performs high quality literature for treble voices. The curriculum is designed to cover the basic foundations of music reading and music theory for the beginning musician, to extend the abilities of more advanced students, and to increase singing confidence and aptitude. The Treble Choir is a performing ensemble with its own schedule of public appearances, including concerts at OTHS. Members are expected to practice individually outside of class, and in extra rehearsals or sectionals. Members are eligible to participate in any choral extracurricular activities, including Overboard, ILMEA District and All-State music festivals, IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest, IHSA Organizational Contest, OEHS Music Festival, and auditioning to sing the National Anthem for Home sports events. Prior enrollment in Concert Choir is recommended; membership is determined by a vocal audition. Students must be planning on being enrolled for the entire school year to be considered for Treble Choir.

Crimson Choir (advanced mixed)

The Crimson Choir is the flagship ensemble of the OTHS Choirs, and is dedicated to performing the finest literature for mixed voices. The curriculum is designed to increase musical skills and abilities to an advanced level. Members will find themselves challenged by the level of difficulty of music, rudiments of music theory, and concepts of singing that are covered. The Crimson Choir has a very active performance schedule throughout the school year, including concerts, special programs, and ILMEA festivals. Members are expected to practice individually outside of class, and in extra rehearsals or sectionals. Members are eligible and highly encouraged to participate in any choral extracurricular activities, including Overboard, ILMEA District and All-State music festivals, IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest, IHSA Organizational Contest, OEHS Music Festival, and auditioning to sing the National Anthem for Home sports events. Prior enrollment in Concert Choir and/or Treble Choir is recommended, but prior experience with choir or music is necessary; membership is determined by a vocal audition. Students must be planning on being enrolled for the entire school year to be considered for Crimson Choir.