La Porte High School

Greetings to all parents, friends, and singers! With your help and support, we look forward to a successful year of music-making!

The La Porte High School Choral Department thrives on a philosophy of commitment to tradition, musical excellence, and pride in all that we do. This philosophy and commitment depend on the cooperation of ALL Choral students, parents, and friends. Please understand that the success of a quality choral program demands that EACH member must claim personal responsibility and “ownership”! You have the power to do GREAT THINGS!

The LPHS Choral Department consists of approximately 150 students in 5 performing ensembles. The ensembles include the Nothin' But Treble, Bella Voce, Concert Choir, Varsity Chorale, and our women's show choir, the Vocal Synsations.

The choirs generally perform in four required concerts throughout the year, with many additional appearances by the Varsity Chorale and Vocal Synsations all over the Houston Area. The choirs also participate in the University Scholastic Leagues Concert and Sight-Reading Competition, which occurs in early April of each year. Many La Porte High School choir members have the opportunity to involve themselves in other programs including theater, band, orchestra, academic decathlon, athletics, drill team, and many other organizations. This would not be possible without the amazing support and cooperation of the other faculty and administration on campus.

Several changes have been made to the 2017-2018 Choral Handbook. It will answer most of your questions and inform you of the goals, expectations, and calendar dates of the Choral Department. After reading the rules and regulations, and reviewing the calendar, please sign and return the parent/student handbook agreement found in the documents link of the choir website.

Please feel free to call the Choir Office with any questions or concerns at 281-604-7691.

You may also contact the choir director by calling the Choir Office or emailing him at sutherlandb@lpisd.org
We need volunteers so please contact Mr. Sutherland if you are interested in volunteering in the choir hall!
For general information about the La Porte High School Choir Department, feel free to explore this website.

Calendar

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DAILY SCHEDULE

7:15 - 8 a.m.	AP Music Theory
8:07 - 8:52 a.m.	Concert Choir
8:59 - 9:44 a.m.	Nothin' But Treble
9:51 - 10:36 a.m.	Conference Period
10:43 - 11:46 a.m.	Bella Voce
11:49 a.m. - 12:19 p.m.	C Lunch
12:22 - 12:56 p.m.	Bulldog Time
1:03 -1:48 p.m.	Varsity Chorale
1:53 - 2:40 p.m.	Junior High

***Every Monday from 2:45 - 3:50 p.m. is Varsity Chorale rehearsal.
*** Every Monday from 3:55 - 5 p.m. is Vocal Synsation's Sensational rehearsals.

About the Director

I am a native of Michigan who moved to Texas eight years ago to begin my teaching career after graduating from Saginaw Valley State University with a BA in Music Education.

I began my career as a sixth grade Music Specialist and Choir Director in the Sheldon Independent School District. At the end of the 2007-2008 school year I was promoted to the position of Choir Director for C.E. King Middle School (KMS).The following school year Sheldon ISD opened a new middle school, M. R. Null Middle School (NMS). I spent my remaining three years teaching over 150 students between the two middle schools. Both KMS and NMS saw great growth in their programs, including local and regional recognition in the University Interscholastic League (UIL). In 2011-2012 I was hired to be the Choir Director for La Porte Junior High. I was immediately charged with turning the program around into what is now an award-winning choral program with consecutive Sweepstakes Trophies from the UIL. The Varsity Choir performs at many annual singing events every year. In my time at La Porte Junior High I have served as the Student Council Sponsor, Chair of the Site Based Decision Making Team, Fine Arts Department Chair, and mentor, as well as serving on the hiring committee. I am the Head Choir Director at La Porte High School.

I am also a choir clinician/judge for other school districts in the Houston area. I play piano and teach lessons from my home and around the East Houston area. In August of 2016, I completed my master's degree in Educational Leadership with Principal certification from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.

I am extremely excited to be your student's choir teacher! I have never felt more at home than I have while working in the La Porte Independent School District. GO BULLDOGS!

Concert Makeup Assignment

The Choir Department at La Porte High School publishes its calendar, for the next school year, typically in mid to late May. Students receive the full calendar in August. The calendar is typically very reliable with only a few minor adjustments made with much notice.

Students who miss a concert must have a parent/guardian contact Mr. Sutherland to provide an excuse. Not having transportation to a concert is not considered excused. Students have ample time to secure transportation, especially since there are several other people in their classes who may be able to help them.

If a student misses a concert they will be required to do the project that is below. A different project for each concert missed is required. Duplicating a previous project will be considered plagiarism and the student will receive a 0 and a referral to the office for disciplinary action.

As always, if you have any questions please call the choir office at
281-604-7691.

LPHS Concert Makeup Assignment

AP Music Theory