Choir Officers

 PRESIDENT
Lyda Jade Harlan

VICE PRESIDENT
Dean Woods

TREASURER
Amy McCartt

SECRETARY
Kate Perry

Abbe Road A Cappella
As the capstone course, and the most selective ensemble at Santa Su, Abbe Road is a sixteen part A Cappella choir with an emphasis on modern pop music, performed with voices only. Students get to explore the wonderful world of a cappella voice, involving songs from across all genres and styles from award winning arrangers such as Shams Ahmed and Ben Bram, as well as the ability to attend several masterclasses from groups such as Groove for Thought and Filharmonic in previous years. Certain years, students are also given the opportunity to compete at the Los Angeles A Cappella Festival and International Championship for High School A Cappella, participating in the real life version of Pitch Perfect. Additionally, the course involves a dense amount of student leadership with the Student Coordinator position, where students work as a musical and technical leader, running class and representing the department on social media, as well as a multitude of choreography opportunities for both competition and performance. Members will also learn invaluable music industry standards in performance and musicianship. Requirements: Audition. At least one year in another choral ensemble. Proof of past eligibility. The academic eligibility that is found in all extra circularly activities within the district. The ability to sight read music, sings alone on a part and practice on your own. Completion of the introduction to Music Theory class. The commitment to be available outside of school time. Two letters of recommendation, one from a teacher and one from a friend. Dedication and self-discipline. 

Advanced Women's Choir
   For upper-level treble singers, this auditioned ensemble involves challenging and interesting music from all eras, by splitting the focus between traditional choral music and contemporary a cappella. By singing both a cappella and accompanied pieces, students get to perform a multitude of songs that will both challenge and fulfil their musical abilities, often splitting into small groups to perform collegiate-style, contemporary a cappella music at the end of the year. Past groups have won praise at a multitude local festivals, as well as the opportunity to perform at the memorial services for Nancy Reagan and Sgt. Ron Helus. Students will develop their knowledge of scales, sightreading and higher level music theory. This group has multiple outside of school performance opportunities, including festivals, caroling, etc.    Requirements: Audition. At least one year in another choral ensemble. Proof of past eligibility. The academic eligibility that is found in all extra circularly activities within the district. The ability to sight read music, sings alone on a part and practice on your own. Completion of the introduction to Music Theory class. The commitment to be available outside of school time. Two letters of recommendation, one from a teacher and one from a friend. Dedication and self-discipline. 

Show Choir
As part of the pathway to Santa Su’s musical theatre department, this audition-only, mixed ensemble involves a focus on both singing with intention as well as dancing with it. Performing spectacular musical medleys, such as Grease, Dear Evan Hansen, and Hamilton and more, students will develop movement skills alongside their vocal skills, work to become adept performance artists in any venue. Many students from this fast paced course have gone on to be a part of our Musical Theatre class. This course also offers a high number of student leadership opportunities for members who are interested in choreography, giving upperclassmen the ability to choreograph pieces for the concerts. Students will also learn scales, sightreading and basic music theory. Requirements: Audition. Dance experience. Proof of past eligibility. A basic understanding of music theory and the ability to practice a part outside of class. The commitment to be available outside of school time. Dedication and self-discipline.

Vocal Ensemble
 For both treble- and bass-clef singers, this audition only ensemble is a foudation to learning harmony and part singing for every vocal student at Santa Su. Vocal Ensemble approaches a wide variety of music, allowing students to further develop musicianship in multiple styles and languages. Students are expected to learn about two to four pieces per show, each one involving a new genre or era than the last, and each requiring attention to different aspects of vocal performance. All the while, students will conduct research on the music industry for a semester project, where they will demonstrate their new skills in music. Students will also learn scales, sightreading and basic music theory.    Requirements: Audition. Proof of past eligibility. A basic understanding of music theory and the ability to practice a part outside of class. The commitment to be available outside of school time. Dedication and self-discipline. 

Women's Choir
This audition only performance ensemble is the entry point of the vocal music program for treble clef singers, where they can dive into the world of high school choral singing and learn the techniques and skills necessary to grow as a vocalist. Singing a variety of genres and styles, as well as occasional choreography, students get to explore their musical horizons, and branch out from classical choir pieces to modern pop songs. All the while, students will conduct research on the music industry for semester projects, where they will discover the many different facets and opportunities that lie within it. Students will also learn scales, sightreading and basic music theory.    Requirements: Audition. A basic understanding of music theory and the ability to practice a part outside of class. The commitment to be available outside of school time. Dedication and self-discipline.