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The Weatherford High School Choral Department has a rich heritage of
excellence in choral/vocal performance. A diverse population of students
represents the choral department. Pride and dedication to excellence is
a predominate characteristic among all choral students.
Results, not excuses is their motto.
Choir...is the
Voice of WHS
Currently, the success of the
choral program is the product of the implementation of the WISD Choral
Music Sequence
of Learning. This research based sequence of learning
music skills is taught at all levels of choral music in grades 7-12 in
the Weatherford Independent School District. As
a result, the WHS choral program has been awarded the highest ratings at
concert and sight reading contest for the past 17 years. Thirty PLUS UIL Sweepstakes Awards have been earned by the three varsity level
choirs during this time.
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Bel Canto Choirs are our treble
choruses. Membership is open to all female students at WHS. No audition is required for enrollment in this
choir. Bel Canto students will learn sight reading skills and basic
vocal technique. Students in this class may participate in the various solo contest and
All-District auditions offered
throughout the school year. In addition, Bel Canto choirs will
participate in the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest. This organization performs in our WHS
Choral Concert Series throughout the year.
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Men's Chorus is opened to all
men on both WHS campuses. No audition is required for enrollment in
this choir. Men's Chorus students will learn sight reading skills and
basic vocal technique. Students in this class may participate in the various solo
contest and All-District auditions offered throughout the school year.
In addition, the Men's Chorus will participate in the UIL Concert and
Sight Reading Contest. This organization also performs in our WHS
Choral Concert Series throughout the year.
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Mixed Choir is the junior varsity A
Cappella Choir of the Ninth Grade Center. Students in this class are
required to have previously been enrolled in the Middle School Choral
Program at WISD. Mixed Choir students are committed to improving their
previously learned music reading skills and developing their vocal
technique. Students in this class may
participate in the various solo contest and All-District auditions
offered throughout the school year. In addition, the Mixed Choir will
participate in the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest. This
organization also performs in our WHS Choral Concert Series throughout
the year.
- Varsity Women's Chorus is our
auditioned treble voice chorus. This organization participates in
our WHS Choral Concert Series and at the UIL Concert and Sight
Reading Contest. Sectional rehearsals during the school day and
evening rehearsals are scheduled throughout the school year prior to
our performances.
- Varsity Men's Chorus is one of
our most popular choirs. This select tenor-bass organization
participates in our WHS Choral Concert Series and at the UIL Concert
and Sight Reading Contest. Sectional rehearsals during the school
day and evening rehearsals are scheduled throughout the school year
prior to our performances.
- KangaSingers is an
auditioned ensemble dedicated to the performance of popular vocal
music. Students in this organization perform throughout the school
year for various opportunities in the community. Auditions are with the Director of
Choral Activities. Members of the KangaSingers must also be
enrolled in A Cappella Choir.
- A Cappella Choir is our
premiere choral organization. Composed primarily of experienced
junior and senior choral students, this choir specializes in the
reading and performance of choral music from all genres...focusing
mainly on classical choral music. This choir participates in the WHS
Concert Series, Community Holiday Caroling, touring across the
Southwest, and UIL Concert and Sight Reading
Contest. Enrollment in this class is by audition with the Director of Choral
Activities.
- Chamber Singers is the most
prestigious choral ensemble at WHS. This 24 member auditioned ensemble
specializes in performing motets and madrigals. Additionally, the
Chamber Singers will perform a major choral work each year and will
perform on all major choral concerts at WHS. Rehearsals are on Monday
evenings.
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Michael Pat Banks has directed
the choral program for the past 17 years. He completed his Bachelor of
Music Education (BMEd) from
East Texas State University (presently known as Texas A&M at
Commerce) and his Masters of Music Education (MMEd) from Texas Christian
University in Fort Worth. Prior to coming to Weatherford, Mr. Banks
taught in the Arlington, Hurst-Euless-Bedford, and Lufkin Independent
School Districts. He was the Director of Music at Ridglea Presbyterian
Church in Fort Worth for 21 years. Prior his employment at Ridglea
Presbyterian Church, Mr. Banks was director of music at various churches
throughout Texas including Mount Pleasant, Omaha, Winnsboro,
Lufkin, and Fort Worth. In his part-time he performs with The Parker Boys,
a professional close harmony quartet.
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