Welcome to the Avondale Vocal Music Department
Avondale School District Vocal Music Department is the perfect environment for students who want to develop their vocal skills, participate in competitive performance, and share in a mutual passion for music.
Students have the opportunity to discover and explore their musical talent through a robust curriculum including Vocal Techniques, Breath Management, Music Theory and Sheet Music Sight-Reading. Under the guidance of our Choir Director Kevin Cornwell, the choirs and soloists of the Avondale Vocal Music Department consistently receive Excellent and Superior ratings at MSVMA festivals.
Directors
Vocal Department Awards
- Vocal Music Director Kevin Cornwell named 2020 MSVMA Teacher of the Year
- 1st Division Ratings at 2019 MSVMA State Choir Festival
(Concert Choir, Women's Chorus, Mixed Chorus and Men of Avondale) - 1st Division Ratings at 2019 MSVMA District Festival
(7th Grade Ensemble #1, 7th Grade Ensemble #2, 8th Grade Girls Ensemble, and 8th Grade Ensemble) - Avondale Concert Choir selected as the ONLY high school choir to perform at the City of Detroit 2018 Tree Lighting Ceremony
Vocal Department Programs
Concert Choir (10th – 12th Grade)
Concert Choir is a performing chorus designed for students possessing advanced level music skills. As the premier Avondale High School performing organization, membership is limited to those who successfully audition. Advanced musical skills, sight-reading techniques and basic theory will be studied to enhance student proficiency.
Students will perform in a minimum of three concerts each year and participate in the MSVMA District Choir Festival as well as the MSVMA District Solo and Ensemble Festival. Concert Choir may travel to music festivals held in other states or Canada.
Men of Avondale (7th – 12th Grade)
Men of Avondale is a club choir that meets before and/or after school.
They perform each year at Homecoming, a minimum of three concerts, and participate in the MSVMA District Choir Festival and MSVMA District Solo and Ensemble Festival.
Women’s Chorus (10th – 12th Grade)
This course is open to a select group of advanced female vocalists who audition successfully. Women’s Chorus takes musical performance to the next level. Advanced vocal techniques plus musical works of a demanding nature are studied - ranging from early through contemporary periods. Knowledge of music theory and previous vocal experience are necessary. Advanced musical skills, sight-reading techniques and basic theory will be studied to enhance student proficiency.
The Women’s Chorus consistently earns Division I ratings at Michigan School Vocal Music Association District and State Festivals. Students will perform in a minimum of three concerts each year and participate in the MSVMA District Choir Festival. They are also encouraged to participate in the MSVMA District Solo and Ensemble Festival.
Mixed Chorus (9th – 12th Grade)
Mixed Chorus is a unique experience for younger singers to hone their musical skills under the watchful eye of upper-classmen who are seasoned performers. This class is a continuation of what students learned in middle school, and as such follows a more advanced curriculum that truly tests their vocal ability. Knowledge of music theory and vocal experience are necessary.
Students will perform in a minimum of three concerts each year and participate in the MSVMA District Choir Festival. They are also encouraged to participate in the MSVMA District Solo and Ensemble Festival. Concert Choir may travel each year to music festivals held in other states or Canada.