Our Choirs

Meet the family.

Chamber Choir

Chamber is our advanced SSAA choir. They sing a wide variety of collegiate level choral music. Emphasis will be placed on correct vocal production techniques for a healthy voice and clear tonal quality. Music reading, sight-singing, and ear-training skill development begun in previous choirs will be continued along with instruction in music theory and history. Selected pieces will be prepared for concerts. In addition, the Chamber Choir will participate in the MSVMA District and State Choral Festivals, and District and State Solo & Ensemble.

Chorale

Chorale is our most advanced mixed choir. It is comprised of students grades 10-12 who have successfully auditioned for the group. Chorale will sing a wide variety of choral music appropriate for high school vocal development in four-part SATB harmony. Emphasis will be placed on correct vocal production techniques for a healthy voice and clear tonal quality. Music reading, sight-singing, and ear-training skill development will be continued along with music theory and history units. The choir will prepare pieces for concerts throughout the year. In addition, they will participate in the MSVMA District and State Choir Festivals and District and State Solo & Ensemble.

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Campus Choir

Campus is a treble voice or mixed choir that is comprised incoming freshman and returning leaders grades 9-12. They learn a wide variety of choral music appropriate for high school vocal development in three to four-part SSA/SATB harmony. Emphasis will be placed on correct vocal production techniques for a healthy voice and clear tonal quality. Music reading, sight-singing, and ear-training skill development will be continued along with music theory and history units. The choir will prepare pieces for concerts throughout the year. In addition, they will participate in the MSVMA District and State Choir Festivals and District and State Solo & Ensemble.

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Our Staff

Director

Matthew Smith is in his 4th year as the director of choirs at Lake Orion HS and his 14th year of teaching altogether. Matthew has taught grades K-12 in his tenure as an educator with most of his time spend at the secondary level. Matthew graduated from Oakland University with his Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Music education where he studied under Dr. Michael A. Mitchell and was the first undergraduat assistant conductor of both University Chorus and the Oakland Chorale.
The choirs under Mr. Smith's direction have consistently received high 1st division ratings at the district and state levels. Matthew has also had ensembles selected to perform at the Michigan Music Conference and at the MSVMA All-State Gala Concerts.
Matthew is eternally grateful for the support and love his wife Allyson L. Smith and their twin daughters Ainsley and Zoey show and give every day.

Collaborative Pianist

Cristine Tyrrell is in her 11th year as accompanist at Lake Orion High School. She has accompanied all 3 middle school choirs for over 20 years, has accompanied numerous band and choir solo & ensemble students and has served as accompanist/organist at her church since she was in the 8th grade. As an alumnus of Lake Orion High School, she believes it is a privilege to be able to make music with so many talented and wonderful students. Cristie attended Michigan State University and earned a degree in Personnel Administration. She is proud to have her two children be involved in both band and choir at Lake Orion High School.

Vocal Coach

Halie Watt is in her 12th year serving as the Vocal Coach at LOHS. She graduated with a BA in music education from Albion College in May 2008. Halie was a two time winner of the Annual Concerto Competition at Albion (2004/2007). Her extra-curricular activities included membership in the music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota. Halie received her Masters of Music in Vocal Pedagogy from Oakland University in April 2012. While in attendance, she was a member of the OU Chorale under the direction of Dr. Michael Mitchell. Halie is an alumnus of the Lake Orion High School Choir program and is extremely passionate about seeing it succeed.