Join the award-winning Vocal Department!

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR CHOIR WITHOUT AN AUDITION
Our choirs have won unanimous Superior ratings at all festivals, worked with Grammy-award-winning artist, Avi Kaplan, from Pentatonix, and have toured San Francisco, CA, San Diego, CA, and, most recently performed at Carnegie Hall, NYC!


The Vocal Music Department is a dedicated to maintaining a community based on respect, exemplary musical artistry, and teamwork. We recognize the unique qualities within each person in our “Choir Family” and are committed to creating a safe and nurturing space for all students to explore, build confidence, and grow in as musicians and individuals.

Students in the Vocal Department will find comprehensive instruction focused on a variety of musical styles (Classical, Pop, Broadway, Jazz, Multi-Cultural), healthy vocal technique, musicianship skills (sight-reading and music theory), solo singing, audition and performance technique, and leadership skills. Solo opportunities, including individual coaching, are available for all students and in all styles. Our department strives to offer students unparalleled experiences in vocal education, music careers, travel, and hands-on workshops with professionals in the music industry.

CHS choirs have won unanimous Superior ratings at all festivals, were ranked 1st place Overall for Music in the Parks, and were selected for the 2018 Top Choirs for Nationals in NYC at Carnegie Hall.  Students in our program have worked with Grammy-award-winning artist,  Avi Kaplan, from Pentatonix,  Vanderbilt University’s nationally-renowned a cappella group, Melodores, and The Young American’s touring cast.  Additionally, students have received numerous clinics and scholarship opportunities from visiting university faculty.

Students from the Choir Family have shared that being in choir has helped them build essential skills in leadership, teamwork, public speaking, and self-confidence, to emerge as confident young adults with a lifelong love of music.



COURSES
Canyon Chorale- Mixed voices, intermediate (audition required)
ARIA (Honors)- Higher voices, advanced (audition required)
Chamber Singers (Honors)- Mixed voices, advanced (audition required)
Extra-curricular Opportunities- A Cappella, Barbershop, and Beautyshop Groups.

Types of Choirs

FAQs

•   Do I need to have a good voice to join choir? No— all students and all levels are welcome! You will learn to sing in a group setting that is safe and supportive.

•   Is choir an actual class during school hours? Yes. Choir class is during the school day just like any other class. There are no choir classes after school.

•   Can I do choir as well as sports/drama/AP courses? Absolutely! We have students in all of the mentioned activities, from varsity football to the musicals after school. Just speak with your counselor to get choir onto your schedule.

•   What kind of music will I learn in choir? You will learn all types of music, from Broadway and Pop (rock, funk, jazz, indie, etc) to Classical. Students will never be forced to sing a solo, however, solo opportunities are available to those who are interested.

Program Advisor: Jens Hurty

jhurty@orangeusd.org

Jens Hurty has been involved in music all his life. The son of two choir directors, he grew up singing and playing piano from a young age. In high school Mr. Hurty realized his passion for choral music and decided to pursue a career in choral conducting after meaningful choral experiences in the Illinois All-State Honors choir during his junior and senior years.

 

Mr. Hurty went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Music Education and Vocal Performance at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. After Augustana, Mr. Hurty was the Associate Choir Director at Yorkville High School in Yorkville, IL from 2015-2019 where he taught four choirs, a guitar class, and a piano class. He also performed with two professional choirs in the Chicago area—Cor Cantiamo and The St. Charles Singers.

 

In 2019, Mr. Hurty moved to California to pursue a master’s degree in choral conducting at California State University Fullerton. While there he was on adjunct faculty at Fullerton College where he directed the Treble and Tenor Bass Chorales. He is currently working as the Director of Music at St. Andrew’s by-the-sea United Methodist Church in San Clemente, California where he directs the choir on weekly services.

 

In addition to his work at Canyon, Mr. Hurty is a paid singer with the Pacific Chorale performing on regular concerts throughout the season. His favorite performances opportunities include performing with Andrea Bocelli at the Honda Center, performing under the baton of John Williams at the Hollywood Bowl, and singing for the opening of the Star Wars Celebration which included Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen.