ABOUT

Benefits

Valuable Resources

• Vocal coaching
• Music theory and sight-reading practice
• Music history lessons

Countless Opportunities

• Apply for leadership positions within the choir program
• Compete with other choirs
• Learn from various choral professionals
• Participate in regional and state honor choirs
• Go on exciting trips to festivals and competitions
• Showcase your individual talents

Skills & Experience

• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Public speaking

"Choir is normally such a special part of my day, where I get to forget about all my other classes and stress and just sing with the people I'm blessed to call my family. Choosing to be in choir was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It has altered my life in the best way possible."

– Emily Hackett c/o 2020

"Choir is a safe space where everyone is accepted and loved and can work together to create amazing music. No two performances are ever exactly alike. In between performances, we support each other and work to improve constantly. I've met my best friends through the program. I know if I ever need help they've got my back and that I'd do the same for them."

– Noel Drouillet c/o 2020

"Choir is a place where you can be yourself, relax a little bit from all your other rigorous classes, and just be one big family. Everyone is so kind to each other and it's a very positive place."

– Madeline Brown c/o 2021

Concert Choir

Concert Choir is a non-auditioned beginning/intermediate choir open for grades 9-12.

Singers focus mainly on SAB/SATB literature from all periods of music. They develop advanced vocal and musicianship skills and receive sight-reading and music history training. Concert Choir performs at all school concerts, competitions, local festivals, and annual tours.

Aria

Aria is an auditioned advanced women's choir for grades 9-12.

Singers focus on SSA/SSAA literature from all periods of music. They develop advanced vocal and musicianship skills and receive sight-reading and music history training. Aria performs at all school concerts, competitions, local festivals, and annual tours.

Aristocracy

Aristocracy is an auditioned advanced mixed choir for grades 9-12.

Singers are expected to be the top musicians at West while continuing to develop advanced vocal and musicianship skills. They study and perform advanced literature for mixed ensembles with an emphasis on chamber choir music from all periods of history. Aristocracy performs at all school concerts, competitions, SCVA honor choir, local festivals, community events, annual tours, and school events.

Director

Mr. Bryan Dowdle

Mr. Dowdle has been a part of the music scene for more than 30 years as a student, singer, director, composer, arranger, and adjudicator. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and a Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix.

Mr. Dowdle’s first experience with music was in his mother’s church choir singing with the members in the seats and listening for his mother in the choir. As a youth, he enrolled in the elementary school choir, then Beginning and Advanced choir in middle school. Next, was high school joining Men’s Choir, then in his senior year joined Advanced Ensemble where he had the honor of being a part of the All-State Honor Choir in 1991.

In college, Mr. Dowdle was part of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, University Concert Choir and went up the ranks as a member, to section leader, then President. He was eventually asked to join Cal Poly’s renowned Chamber Singers where they performed Carmina Burana, Brahms Requiem, and Mozart Requiem.

In the final years of college Mr. Dowdle started Cal Poly’s first a cappella group, The Accafellas. The ‘Fellas went on to perform the National Anthem for CLASS Graduation and received an Honorable Mention in the Los Angeles Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival. Mr. Dowdle is eager to bring his knowledge and experience to West High School and share the gift of music with the students, family, and community.