25-26 AUDITIONED CHOIR RESULTS

We know that everyone is anxious to see who, through audition and a great amount of thought, has been selected for the varsity choir and chamber choir ensembles. Results are available on the "Rock Hill Choirs" page, but we would like for everyone to consider the following ...

1. Preparation for these auditions was at the highest level! Parents, all of your children can sing musically, and most sightread very well. Please keep in mind that everyone returning the choir program auditioned for placement, and they ALL performed at their best. This makes some of the decision making coming down to ensemble balance, participation and service, and most importantly, ATTENDANCE and ELIGIBILITY.

2. Take Us Seriously ... Not Personally. We quote our colleague, Kari Gilbertson at Lake Highlands HS in Richardson ISD. Audition results are never intended to hurt anyone personally. We use a rubric for every audition. Parents and students, you are welcome to schedule a meeting after school gets out and discuss the audition. Our audition process is completely transparent and fair.

3. If you were selected to the A Cappella Choir, be humble. Remember, you may be as happy as someone is sad, and vice versa, so make sure you are kind and humble in your reactions. Consider not texting or posting on social media. Parents -- the same goes for us adults.

4. Don't contact us this weekend. You can be disappointed for the next 2-3 days, then let's get on with our much deserved Summer, and start working towards making next year better. Consider not sending the email that you just typed ... send it towards the end of next week after you've had some time to digest the postings.

5. Advocate for yourself. A good friend of ours that taught at Flower Mound HS always reminded his choir families that everyone will be in college or the workforce soon, and they need to develop the skills of self autonomy and self advocacy. Students, we’re happy to sit down with you in the future and discuss your audition. Parents, we won't discuss any audition results with you until we have met with your student first.

6. Look for lessons for next time. Let's sit down for a few minutes and examine all aspects of your audition ... performance, sightreading, tone, knowledge of key signatures and note names, attendance, grades, character, leadership, rehearsal, attitude, maturity. This will not be during your choir period (make an appointment). Remember, we have told you since the first day of school that you are always auditioning.

7. Try again. The Columbus Children's Choir audition page says, "Don't be disappointed after your audition. The more you do this, the better you get at it." You WILL have other opportunities.

We can't think of a time in the last four years that our graduating Seniors did not fail at something. Those that are the most successful and talented have had their moments of disappointment ... but they all kept going and have grown from the experience. I challenge you all to do the same. Most importantly, we care for all of you, and we would place you all in the A Cappella Choir if we could. Our overall goal is for you to get better and advance from year to year. If your name is not on the A Cappella Choir or Blue Note list, know that you are still a crucial part of an excellent choir program, and if you choose, will have the opportunity to be successful, have fun, and lead in your choir next year.