Music

Music is an important part of life at Heights High. Students who plan to make a career of music excel and thrive in the instrumental and vocal programs. While the majority of musicians will not play professionally after graduation, they still find that the challenge and camaraderie of playing music fills an important part of their life.

Instrumental Music

The opportunities in the Instrumental Music Department include large and small groups, audition experiences, spring tours and performances in the school’s auditorium and in the community.

Students are invited to audition for the Heights High Symphony, Symphonic Winds Band, or Jazz Combo and Jazz Ensemble.

The non-audition groups (courses) include Concert Orchestra, Philharmonic Strings, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band – these groups are open to all students.

All students who are enrolled in Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Symphonic Winds are required to participate in Marching Band, including band camp in early August.

Percussionists participate in band camp and drum camp the week before regular band camp.

Students also perform in ensemble groups, these smaller groups are coached by a trained music teacher and perform at school concerts and events in the community.

Senior Solos

All seniors are invited to audition to perform as a soloist with the band or orchestra at one of the three school concerts.

Annual Tour

The Symphonic Winds and Heights High Symphony, travel for an annual spring tour where the groups perform at different venues and participate in workshops and tours at a college or university.

Instrumental Music Staff

Vocal Music

The opportunities in the Vocal Music Department include performing in large and small groups, audition experiences, dancing instruction, trips, and performances in the school's auditorium and the community.

The Vocal Music Students sing in local and regional competitions, for Civic and holiday events, and of course in concerts at the high school.

Barbershop groups are selective, after-school opportunities for dedicated singers. Many Men & Women barbershoppers participate in the Barbershop Midwinter Convention and travel to sing and improve their skills. Our seniors are invited to audition to perform as a soloist at one of the vocal programs. All of the courses are described in the Program Planning Guide in the music section.

In November of each year, the department partners with the Stage Crew, Instrumental Music Department, and Audio Engineering to produce a musical. Over 200 high school students participate.

When students returned to the renovated building at Cedar and Lee Roads, the fall musical productions again includes middle school and elementary school students dancing and singing in the chorus.

See the Vocal Music Department Website for more information.

Vocal Music Staff

Vocal Music Director: Jesse Lange, J_Lange@chuh.org or 216-320-3106

Vocal Music Department Assistant: Alicia Burkle or 216-320-3069

The Vocal Arts Parents Organization (VAPO) is the parent/community support organization for the Vocal Music Program. Their contact information is vapochuh@gmail.com.

The Gospel Choir
An Extra Curricular Activity

The Gospel Choir is open to all students who enjoy singing gospel music. The group meets Thursdays after school and performs many types of gospel music. Students elect officers who help the directors. Students perform at three evening performances, in the community, and travel for an annual tour. The Gospel Choir Parent’s Organization supports the choir.

Director: TBD

Assistant Director: TBD