Welcome to Comstock Park Choirs!
This website is for those students who are currently enrolled in CP Choirs, as well as parents and friends visiting for more information on the choir program at Comstock Park.
Find more information below or by clicking through the headings at the top of the page!
WHY JOIN COMSTOCK PARK CHOIRS?
Comstock Park Choirs are committed to musical excellence. Students feel rewarded when they leave choir because they have reached musical goals and made beautiful music. We study varied and difficult repertoire as well as music theory, composing, conducting and much more. The choir program is beginning to grow this year and will continue growing greatly in the next few years and after. Now is a GREAT time to join so you can be a part of that!
WHAT DO STUDENTS DO IN CHOIR?
During daily rehearsals we will focus on vocal technique, choral literature, listening, writing, proper choral etiquette, concert etiquette and much more! Choir students will be able to audition to sing The National Anthem at sporting events. We will be performing in the community as well as at local events in the Grand Rapids area. Grand Rapids Griffins has invited the CPHS Singers to sing at a hockey game this year as well as many other performance opportunities outside of school. Coffeehouse concert/variety show and seasonal concerts are also a large part of the choral program at Comstock Park. In the near future it is Mrs. Vos' hope to travel with the choir as well as introduce more course options for students interesting in being in the choral program. Starting next year CP Choirs will be active in MSVMA. Through this program we will compete as a choir against other choirs in the state. Soloists and small ensembles are also allowed to compete at these events.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN CHOIR?
- Singers learn to pick out and notice small details and to appreciate the difference between good and merely okay work. This principle in music can be applied across the board to other subjects such as math and science
- Learning to sing/perform music helps develop the areas of the brain that are responsible for logic and language
- Students who sing and learn music earn higher grades in secondary schools. There are studies out that now show that musically-inclined students also perform better on standardized tests like the ACT.
- Musicians learn to come up with several solutions to a problem easier than non-musician students. In the field of music there are multiple right answers. Children who play music also tend to be more creative and imaginative.
- Singing is a form of self-expression. Anything can be said with music.
- In order for an ensemble to sound good, all parts must sing their lines correctly. This is an intense study in teamwork. All students must work towards one goal. Teamwork is an important ideal that is necessary in the world all over, in nearly every aspect of life. Discipline is also a necessary skill acquired through music.
- Learning to sing encourages a student to broaden their skills that will be necessary on the job. Skills like completing a task, rather than watching it done. Communication is a key factor is music as well, as the teacher and students must be able to tell each other how the music “feels” and should be “felt.” Communication skills are an essential part of working with others.
- Students must practice to achieve excellence. A note is either wrong or right; there is no halfway, “okay” sound. Hard work and diligence are required to become a good musician. Being a good worker and striving for excellence is a very helpful skill to have as an adult.
- Musicians also learn to take small risks, such as singing solos or duets. This creeps into other parts of their lives as they learn to be more outgoing and confident.
- Music opens the door to the world. They are able to hear what other cultures have written and performed. This look into another cultures world teaches empathy. Acquiring empathy encourages student to think of others and show respect to people of all backgrounds.
- Singing makes us breathe more deeply than many forms of strenuous exercise, so we take in more oxygen, improve aerobic capacity and experience a release of muscle tension as well
- Singing gives the lungs a workout
- Singing tones abdominal and intercostal muscles and the diaphragm, and stimulates circulation
- Singing releases endorphins into your system and makes you feel energized and uplifted.