What is Grosse Pointe South Choir?
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The Grosse Pointe South Choir Department is comprised of four choral ensembles that involve 130 students in grades 9 – 12. Students perform major workshops, concerts and competitions throughout the school year. Every other year the choral department travels internationally. Past performance tours include Spain, Italy, Greece, England, France, Ireland and most recently to Barcelona and the French Riviera!
The Grosse Pointe South Choir Department is one of the most successful choral programs in Michigan earning awards for choral sound, choreography, technical assistance, costuming and shows. The four choirs build an atmosphere of family in the large South High School community. Alumni of the choral program have gone on into fields in music education, business, medicine, law and are widely acclaimed actors and actresses on Broadway, television and in motion pictures. Whether students pursue a career in the musical arts or follow another path, the choral department strives to create life-long learners and supporters of the performing and musical arts. |
Choir let me get a little taste of competition and competing on that stage is probably one of the most exhilarating things I’ve ever experienced. |
The Creative Team
They make everything happen, for the students.
Christopher PrattChief Artistic Director
Christopher D. Pratt is a 1995 graduate of Center Grove High School. He obtained a BS in Music Education (2000) from Ball State University, a MS in Educational Leadership (2011) from ... Read more below
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Andy HainesChoreographer
Andy Haines has been a free-lance Choreographer for the past 33 years. After finishing a BA from Ohio State University, he began a career as a performer and choreographer in ... Read more below
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Richard WolfAssistant Director and Pianist
Richard Wolf has served as the accompanist for Grosse Pointe South High School Choirs since August 2004. Prior to Grosse Pointe South, he served for 9 years as the accompanist at Rochester High School. .... Read more below
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Nick KuhlPrivate Vocal Instructor
Nick Kuhl has been a professional musician and freelance vocalist throughout the Detroit area for over a decade. Nick has received numerous awards for singing, including the National Showstoppers ... Read more below
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Nicole Greenidge JoesphPrivate Vocal Instructor
Soprano Nicole Joseph received her Masters and Specialist Degree in Voice from the University of Michigan, and Bachelors in Voice from Pacific Lutheran University. Ms. Joseph will make ... Read more below
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Marla MoorePrivate Vocal Instructor
Soprano Marla Moore received a fellowship to attend the University of Illinois where she received her Master’s degree in Voice Performance and Literature and before that attend ... Read more below
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Choir has done so much for me. I was able to meet so many different people who all share the love of performing. Because of choir I was able to grow more confidence in not just performing, but also a lot of self confidence that I think will carry over the next steps of my life and will continue to grow as I get older. This program has given me so much and I can't thank enough for that. - Mohamad Kaddouh, Class of 2020
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National Award Winning QualityOur National Award-winning choir program offers our students an opportunity to participate in a performing arts program that teaches so much more than singing and dancing. GP South Choir participants have become part of a legacy of excellence that is the pride of our school and our community.
A national award-winning program does not occur overnight. It is only possible because of years and decades of dedicated directors, choreographers, musicians, booster members, community partners and most importantly our talented students. Each year the freshman and sophomore choir students are watching and learning from the juniors and seniors. They learn the hard work, commitment, focus and perseverance it takes to be the best in the country. Our choir students are learning skills that will serve them importantly throughout their life. GP South Choir alumni repeatedly share that their experiences in choir have taught them time management, a commitment to excellence, and a self confidence that has helped them pursue their next chapters. The arts are a vital part of a well-rounded education. A program of this calibre can only exist because of the generous support of our Choir Booster members and Community Partners who share their talents and treasure to help support it. |
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About the BoostersThe Choral Department of Grosse Pointe South is supported by the Grosse Pointe South Choir Boosters, comprised of parents and supporters of the choral department.
Grosse Pointe South Choir Boosters, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, established to provide support to the vocal music program at Grosse Pointe South High School. Through our fundraising efforts and the generous support of our Members, Patrons, and other supporters, we provide financial assistance to support the costs of providing professional choreography, expenses related to competitions, costumes, sets, etc. In addition to financial support, Booster volunteers put in countless numbers of hours sewing and organizing costumes, styling hair, helping backstage, providing snacks for the kids, promoting events, selling tickets, etc., etc. Along the way we have a good time and form great friendships! |
Meet the Choirs
The Pointe SingersThe Pointe Singers are a select ensemble of 36 – 40 singers and dancers comprised of students in grades 10 -12. They are consistent high achievers, earning many awards at regional and national competitions. Students have received top honors at MSVMA solo and ensemble events and have been featured at Michigan Youth Arts Festival.
The group was named grand national champions of SHOWSTOPPERS National and International Show Choir Invitational in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2019. They have also been named Grand Champion Show and Concert Choir at several regional competitions including, Findlay Fest (OH), Norwell Knight Stars Invitational (IN), and Center Grove’s Best of the Midwest (IN). In 2016, the group will travel to Ireland on their bi-annual performance tour. The group is under the direction of Christopher Pratt, assisted by Richard Wolf and choreographed by Andy Haines. They are proud to represent their communities of Grosse Pointe to enthusiastic audiences locally, nationally and internationally. |
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The Tower Belles
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The Tower Belles are a select ensemble of 32 – 36 singers and dancers comprised of women in grades 9-12. They are consistent high achievers earning many awards at regional and national competitions. Students have received top honors at MSVMA solo and ensemble events and have been featured at Michigan Youth Arts Festival.
The group was named national first runner-up of SHOWSTOPPERS National Show Choir Invitational in 2007 earning the caption for Best Music and at FAME Nationals in 2019. They have also been named Grand Champion Show Choir at several regional competitions including, Findlay Fest and Teays Valley competitions. In 2018, the group will travel to the French Rivera on their bi-annual performance tour. The group is under the direction of Christopher Pratt, assisted by Richard Wolf and choreographed by Andy Haines. They are proud to represent their communities of Grosse Pointe to enthusiastic audiences locally, nationally and internationally. |
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The South SingersThe South Singers are a junior varsity choral ensemble of 18 – 24 singers and dancers comprised of students in grades 9 -11. They are consistent high achievers earning many awards. Students in South Singers have also received top ratings at MSVMA solo and ensemble.
The group was named first runner-up of Findlay Fest 2014 and 2015 in the junior varsity division. The group is under the direction of Christopher Pratt, assisted by Richard Wolf and choreographed by and Andy Haines. They are proud to represent their communities of Grosse Pointe to enthusiastic audiences locally, nationally and internationally. |
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The Sounds of SouthThe Sounds of South is a freshman choral ensemble of 16 – 20 singers and dancers comprised of female students in their first year of choir. Students in Sounds of South have also received top ratings at MSVMA solo and ensemble.
Performing at all major concerts for South HS choral productions, they are proud to represent their communities of Grosse Pointe to enthusiastic audiences in the Grosse Pointe Communities. The group is under the direction of Christopher Pratt, assisted by Richard Wolf and choreographed by and Andy Haines. They are proud to represent their communities of Grosse Pointe to enthusiastic audiences locally, nationally and internationally. |
The SuspensionsThe Suspensions are an extra-curricular highly select a cappella ensemble of 16 -24 singers comprised of students in grades 9-12.
Performing at all major concerts for South HS choral productions, they are proud to represent their communities of Grosse Pointe to enthusiastic audiences in the Grosse Pointe Communities. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you practice?
It ranges for each choir:
Sounds of South rehearses only before a major concert;
South Singers will have a handful of ensemble rehearsals during the school year, and before major concerts;
Tower Belles and Pointe Singers three or four times a month and before major concerts.
Sounds of South rehearses only before a major concert;
South Singers will have a handful of ensemble rehearsals during the school year, and before major concerts;
Tower Belles and Pointe Singers three or four times a month and before major concerts.
How do choir students balance their other commitments?
The GP South Choir Department is proud that its students participate in a variety of school activities, including almost every athletic sport.
In South Choir, you can do it all!
In South Choir, you can do it all!
How do I join the Grosse Pointe South Choir?
Email Mr. Pratt (prattc@gpschools.org) and he can set-up a meeting with you to place you in an ensemble.
There is a place for you in the GP South Choir family!
There is a place for you in the GP South Choir family!
Can I be in GP South Choir and also play a sport?
Many of our students participate in nearly every athletic sport as well as participates and performs in this nationally award-winning choral program!
Do I need to know how to dance?
Absolutely not! We teach you everything you need to know and we start at the beginning. Never let this be a concern for you!
Let's Stay in TouchAre you looking for more information on Grosse Pointe South's Choir Program?
Are you a student that want's to learn what it's like to be in the Grosse Pointe South Choir? Are you a community member that wants to learn what the Grosse Pointe South Choir can do for you? Send us an Email, we'd be more than happy to help. |
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