GlenOak’s choral department features several hundred students across eight different choirs, but some students choose to go above and beyond in their pursuit of music education.
Students involved in GlenOak’s various Fine Arts programs, such as choir, can apply for fine arts specialization for vocal music specialization, which counts as one of the seals required for graduation. The requirements for this differ based on the program. For choir, a student pursuing specialization must be in a choir for all four years of high school, compete in the Solo and Ensemble competition for three years, participate in the school musical, take a music theory class and attend four concerts per year.
With all the work required to complete specialization, very few students choose to follow that path. Only a handful of people in the current junior and senior class are pursuing it.
“I think Fine Arts specialization is taking that love of the arts to the max,” junior Charlie Burton said. “It’s about truly realizing that this is something you’re passionate about and wanting to go above and beyond what everybody else is doing.”
Some, like senior Nevaeh Allman, balance their involvement with vocal music with involvement in one of GlenOak’s Career Tech programs.
“I’m in the business career tech,” Allman said. “I’m the CEO of Busy Bees. I love the program with all my heart. I’m very heavily involved in our arts program. I’m in Drifters, I’m in Chorale and I’m also involved in our musicals here. I think Fine Arts specialization is wanting to extend your knowledge of the fine arts. Specifically, my interest is vocal music, so I’m just expanding my knowledge and taking all the opportunities I can to expand my vocal music knowledge and expand myself vocally.”
Fine Arts specialization can involve a heavy time commitment, between the school musical, concert reviews and preparing for and performing at the Solo and Ensemble competition, but those pursuing it agree that the time they spend is worth it.
“I would say it sounds a lot more difficult than it is,” junior Katie Dever said. “I think choir is fun, so if that’s what you’re interested in then going for it is really worth it.”
Especially for those interested in pursuing a career in something related to fine or performing arts, Fine Arts specialization can be a great way to develop experience with your chosen subject and earn a state-issued certification that can count towards graduation requirements.
