West High School – Chamber Choir

Here you will find information about:

Our current membership and repertoire
Upcoming events
Audition information for 2007-2008
Contact information for prospective student members
Director information

Some Pictures from our December 2006 Concert
(click on a photo for a larger and sharper version)

Current Membership: Who are we?

The West Chamber Choir is made up of 17 members, all of whom underwent a rigorous audition process. Chamber Choir is a level IV performance ensemble. This selected group of singers range in age from 16 - 18; sophomores - seniors. Although several study voice privately, most have honed their skills from many years of choral singing in Manchester and elsewhere.

Members' participation in other school activities and classes includes Orchestra, Band, Jazz Ensemble, FIRST Robotics Team, Theater Knights, Swim Team, Cheerleading, NH Jazz Singers, Varsity Soccer, and Math Team.

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Upcoming Events

Performance opportunities and events keep us very busy throughout the school year and include school assemblies, New Horizons breakfast, Makin' It Happen Breakfast, sporting events, the annual Spaghetti Supper, ... Please see the announcements page and home page for updated schedules.

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Audition information for 2007-2008

Chamber Choir Auditions are usually held in February for the following year. In some cases, auditions are held at the end of the school year with permission of the director and principal.

Auditions include assessment of specific musical skills: tonal memory, reading of standard melodic and rhythmic notation, balance and blend, diction, musical terminology, and articulation. A packet of materials will be available for students to study and prepare at least one week prior to the audition time. The packet includes a study CD. Students will be asked to learn and memorize a madrigal on their individual vocal part, and be able to sing that part along with the other vocal parts heard on the CD. A jazz ballad will be also be prepared the same way. This format is also used for the All State audition process. A written theory test will be given. Incoming eighth graders who would like to audition for either Chamber Choir or Concert Choir will be given the opportunity to prepare for auditions held at their school. Music teachers will be sent the packets with instructions for use. Check back on this website for exact dates and times.

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Contact information for prospective student members

If you are a student at West who is interested in joining the Chamber Choir, please contact:

Susan Wilkes (formerly Thorpe), Director
Phone: 603-624-6384 x339
Email: mailto:swilkes@mansd.org

Dress Code New!

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Director information

Susan Thorpe received her BA in Music Education from Westfield State College in Massachusetts, and a Master of Music in Performance - Conducting at the University of Mass./Lowell. She has taught in public schools since 1985, and high school music since 1987 with experiences in Vermont and New Hampshire. While in Vermont, she worked in several capacities for Vermont All State Music Festivals, New England Music Festival, and District Music Festivals. Currently she sings with the Manchester Choral Society as well as maintaining her position as Director of the Choral and Orchestral Programs at West High School.

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