In the late days of April, while many students stress over AP tests, the songbirds of CHS face an entirely different beast: choir auditions. Known for their award winning performances, it is no surprise the audition process to join the organization manifests blood, sweat and tears.

Choir, headed by Mr. Bullock who is popularly known by his students as Mr. B, is one of CHS’s most successful programs to date. Winning competitions all over the state, the huge success is due to their driven teacher and the immense talent of young freshmen to experienced seniors. The annual auditions are necessary in order to sift through the many musically gifted students.

“The tryouts consist of dancing, singing a song of choice that is under one minute and sight reading sheet music,” sophomore Bryan Lasche said. “You must sing many different bars to gain entry to the program.”

Lasche, a fresh face on the stage, hopes to rock his way from Lancer Choir to Chamber Singers next season and pump his pipes across the state. However, for many, the performances are not as easy as it may look. The students are challenged to demonstrate an aptitude of not only singing, but a multitude of different skills necessary to be successful in Encore, Chamber Singers or Sound Express.

“One set is more tiring than a full soccer game,” senior Madison Headlee said. “As an endurance exercise we have to run and sing around the school. Sometimes choir seems more like a PE than an art.”

Choir is no cakewalk, from singing to dancing to literally running around, the activity is serious business. The audition process may be difficult, but the rewards of being in the program far outweigh the challenge of joining.

“Being a part of choir has been some of the most fun I’ve had in high school,” Headlee said.