’12-13 Choir Preview

Discover the secrets that make the Christian Brothers choir program one of the best in the area.

Over the years, the Christian Brothers choir program has been praised for their vocal excellence and superiority in competition. The 2012-13 choral season looks to be no different.

CB has two advanced choirs: chamber choir and honors chorale. Chamber choir is an advanced women’s ensemble while honors chorale is a more advanced, co-ed group. In order to be in the more prestigious Honors Chorale, students have to pass a sight singing test with a sufficient score.

Along with the class, each member is also assigned a position: soprano, alto, tenor, or bass. Sopranos and altos are the high and low-key singers for women, while the tenor and bass are the high and low-key singers for the men.

The two ensembles share their performances at CB, singing three pieces per choir at Back to School Night and Open House. They also perform during a yearly assembly with the other music classes. Honors Chorale usually represents CB at such events, but at competitions referred to as Festival, the Chamber Choir and Honors Chorale alternate on who represent the school.

At the Festivals, the choirs sing many genres of songs, all of which are chosen by choir teachers Mr. Ron Slabbinck and Mrs. Holly Slabbinck. Songs vary between worship music, songs derived from poems, and songs in different languages. Judges in the competitions will score and give advice based on the chosen songs to further improve future performances.

With Christian Brothers’ supportive staff and the natural talent of the students, the vocal ensembles are bound to have another successful year as one of the best choirs in Sacramento.