Horn Lake High School Choral Department Vision & Philosophy
The Horn Lake High School Choral Program is rooted in a mission to cultivate excellence in vocal artistry while nurturing the whole student. Through intentional programming, cultural representation, and strong leadership, the program empowers students to develop as musicians, thinkers, collaborators, and leaders.
We believe every student has the potential to create beauty, serve with integrity, and engage with the world through music.
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Mission Statement
To build a dynamic choral program that:
• Prioritizes vocal and musical excellence,
• Values student voice and leadership,
• Celebrates cultural and artistic diversity,
• Supports social-emotional growth, and
• Inspires lifelong musicianship and citizenship.
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Program Goals
1. Develop Skilled Musicians:
Foster music literacy, vocal technique, sight-reading, and ensemble performance at every level.
2. Empower Student Leadership:
Create leadership roles within ensembles, including section leaders, student conductors, and music librarians.
3. Cultivate a Culture of Excellence:
Establish clear expectations for professionalism, rehearsal conduct, and personal accountability.
4. Provide Access to Opportunities:
Prepare students for participation in festivals, honor choirs, and college auditions.
5. Engage the Community:
Present performances that build school pride, foster community partnerships, and celebrate student achievement.
The Horn Lake High School Choral Department consists of:
HIGHLIGHTS:
The Horn Lake High School Choral Program is rooted in a mission to cultivate excellence in vocal artistry while nurturing the whole student. Through intentional programming, cultural representation, and strong leadership, the program empowers students to develop as musicians, thinkers, collaborators, and leaders.
We believe every student has the potential to create beauty, serve with integrity, and engage with the world through music.
⸻
Mission Statement
To build a dynamic choral program that:
• Prioritizes vocal and musical excellence,
• Values student voice and leadership,
• Celebrates cultural and artistic diversity,
• Supports social-emotional growth, and
• Inspires lifelong musicianship and citizenship.
⸻
Program Goals
1. Develop Skilled Musicians:
Foster music literacy, vocal technique, sight-reading, and ensemble performance at every level.
2. Empower Student Leadership:
Create leadership roles within ensembles, including section leaders, student conductors, and music librarians.
3. Cultivate a Culture of Excellence:
Establish clear expectations for professionalism, rehearsal conduct, and personal accountability.
4. Provide Access to Opportunities:
Prepare students for participation in festivals, honor choirs, and college auditions.
5. Engage the Community:
Present performances that build school pride, foster community partnerships, and celebrate student achievement.
The Horn Lake High School Choral Department consists of:
- Varsity Choir - singing techniques & music literacy is the focus of this group that will meet Terms 2 & 3 during 1st block
- Treble Chorale - large treble group that focuses on upper level literature & meets both semesters during 2nd block
- Mixed Ensemble - elite, fast-paced small group with very high music literacy level; group meets both semesters during 3rd block
- Vocal Jazz Ensemble - small ensemble that explores jazz and other contemporary musical styles. This ensemble will primarily perform with a rhythm section. This group meets after school. More information regarding audition will be made available soon.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- performed with VOCES8 in London
- featured choir at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City
- selected for the 2013 & 2016 Disney Candlelight Processional performing choir
- Featured choir at the American Choral Director’s Mississippi Convention in 2010 & 2016
- “Best In Class” - at the Ole Miss Choral Festival - 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, & 2019
- "GRAND CHAMPIONS" AT THE 2010, 2015 , & 2016 Ole Miss Choral Festival
- "Highest Overall Performance Score" winners at the 2015 Bluff City Choral Festival
- "Highest Overall Community Service Score" winners at the 2019 Bluff City Choral Festival
- 2011 & 2015 featured choir at the Washington National Cathedral
- Consistently has singers selected for District, State, Regional, National, & College Honor Choirs.
- Seniors consistently earn choir scholarships at 2 year & 4 year colleges.
- Have alumni singing in choirs at University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, University of Memphis, Itawamba Community College, Northwest Mississippi Community College, Northeast Mississippi Community College, Williams Baptist College, Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, Union University, & Florida State University.
- Members of the HLHS Choral Department have had the opportunity to work with world renown musicians like Dr. Andre' Thomas, Dr. Allen Hightower, Dr. Andrea Ramsey, Dr. Andrew Minear, Dr. Tucker Biddlecombe, Dr. Alan Raines, Dr. Joe Miller, Dr. Richard Waters, Dr. Jeffrey Redding, Dr. Phillip Copland, Dr. Judy Bowers, & Dr. Kevin Fenton.
- Consistently earn Superior Ratings at:
- State Performance Assessment - Performance
- State Performance Assessment - Sight Singing
- Ole Miss Choral Festival
- Bluff City Choral Festival
- Various national festivals including festivals in Orlando, Atlanta, St. Louis, Gatlinburg, & Cincinnati
