Welcome to

Sycamore High School

Choir

We’re so excited that you’re thinking
about joining us!

Imagine stepping onto a stage, the lights dimmed, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. Your friends are by your side, to find that

You’re Part of Something
Bigger than Yourself

creating unforgettable music that moves people and brings you closer to everyone around you.

In HS Aves Choir, you’ll make lifelong friends, explore your love of music, and discover talents you didn’t even know you had.

There is a Place for You

Whether you dream of solo moments in the spotlight, love harmonizing with others, or just want to have fun while making amazing memories, there’s a place for you here. Most of us aren’t aiming for a career in music; we’re just passionate about singing and the joy it brings. We’re like a family, united by our love for music and a commitment to support one another.

Create Music, Build Friendships

Joining choir isn’t just about learning to sing better—it’s about joining a community, finding your voice, and carrying this passion for music with you wherever you go in life. We can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to HS choir and how our journey together will inspire you.

Join the Choir

Why Keep Singing in the

HS Choir?

Most choir students pursue various career paths, but all share a love of music, friendship and community.

Everyone needs to get their fine arts credit.

Keep doing what you've done!

It's incredibly fun! We travel to Disney, Universal, and other studios to extend our learning in fun ways.

MEET THE CHOIRS

TAILORED TO UNDERCLASSMEN

Aviator Chorale

9-12 grade introductory women's ensemble. Daily meets as a class; no audition required.

Co-Pilots Chorale

9-12 grade introductory-intermediate men's ensemble. Daily meets as a class; no audition required.

Belle Voci

9-12 grade intermediate-advanced women's ensemble. Daily meets as a class; auditioned in February.

Octaviation White

"Freshman" women's ensemble for building foundational pop acappella skills. Auditioned in May; rehearses outside of the school day.

Octaviation Green

Junior varsity pop acappella with a focus on refining skills and team camaraderie. Auditioned in May; rehearses outside of the school day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the vibe of HS Choir?: Choir is open, welcoming, inclusive and not clique-y. Everyone wants to help one another grow. Everyone cheers for one another. Share out that music vid, scrapbook. We want to see it!

How hard is it to get an A in Choir at the HS?: Everyone should earn an A if you have a growth mindset and attend the events. Your grade is not dependent on your individual ability to sing in a vocal assessment. Just do you!

Does HS Choir takes up a lot of extra time?: Not at all! Your experience in HS choir will be very similar to your experience in JH with one concert per quarter. The day before each concert, we have a dress rehearsal after school. That's it!

Am I good enough musically to join the HS program?: You know all you need to know right now. You have received excellent music education! Trust yourself, trust your teachers. If you are ready to grow, you are ready to go. Lean into that growth mindset.

Do I have to be a "professional" singer to join?: You don't have to sing solos if you don't want to. Going to college for music is not the point of taking HS choir. Co-Pilots and Aviator Chorale are fun and super laid-back.

Choir is for everybody. Even if music isn't explicitly your passion. You owe it to yourself, and your teachers, to continue. You don't have to check the "music kid" box to be in choir.

How do I fit choir in my schedule?

Anyone who likes to sing should continue doing so. You will have to make room for a fine arts credit in order to graduate sometime, so keep growing in choir and earn your fine arts credit here. With all the ways in which you can earn credit* at the HS level (6!), we have up to 10% of the program enrolled in more than one, sometimes three(!) ensembles.

You'll have plenty of space in your schedule, especially your junior and senior years for any other electives you might want to take in addition to choir.

Academically high performing students (those who take lots of AP classes) report that taking choir is the break they need in their day to exercise the other parts of their brain that helps to center them, and help them do well in their AP courses.

*traditional (butt-in-seat), college-credit plus, blended courses, online courses, summer courses, and credit flex courses.

I'm an athlete, and/or involved in other extracurricular activities, do I have time to do choir?: Yes! Fourth-year choir seniors frequently are multi-season athletes (i.e. wrestling & LAX). Serious athletes (state-level competitors, those who earn college scholarships in athletics) of all kinds take choir. Competitive dancers, the academically gifted, and more!

Can I get help to learn things if I need to?: We have vocal coaches come in to choir on the regular to help students prepare for Cabaret, solos, and concerts during choir class time. Support is everywhere, and supported by the Sycamore Vocal Boosters, so comes at no cost to students.

Am I a good enough dancer?: Choralography is low-key! You may be like Holdt and poorly coordinated. Don't sweat it: movement is fun, simple, and limited to a handful of pieces a year.

Our Team

Ken Holdt

HS Choral Director

Hi! I’m Mr. Holdt, and I co-lead the choir program at Sycamore High School. I’m here to help students find their voices, create amazing music, and have a blast while doing it!

I started my teaching career at Symmes Elementary and have taught music at every grade level, including junior high and high school. Besides choir, I’ve taught guitar, piano, band, and even music theory. I love playing piano, trumpet, and singing whenever I get the chance, and I’m also part of a local vocal group.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Amber, and our four kids, Lily (current 8th grader), Isaac (6th grader), Kate (Maple Dale 4th grader), and Hannah (Maple Dale 2nd grader). Can’t wait to meet you and hopefully see you in choir soon!

David Swift

HS Choral Director

Hi! I’m Mr. Swift, and I co-lead the choir program here at Sycamore High School, including Aviator Chorale and the Co-Pilots. I've been teaching music for over 30 years, and I’ve worked with everything from band and orchestra to jazz, guitar, and choir!

At Sycamore, in addition to working with our choirs, I also play bass and guitar, arrange music, and lead the music tech program. I also love taking students on trips to Europe each year to experience music in amazing places!

When I’m not at school, I’m usually playing guitar and singing at local spots around Cincinnati. My wife, Elizabeth, and I live in Lebanon with our daughter, Isabella, and our dogs, Luna and Leo. One of my sons has graduated college and working the music industry; and my two other sons are pursuing degrees in music.

Mary Nerren

Collaborative Pianist

Hi! I’m Ms. Nerren, and I’m a pianist and music teacher here to support Sycamore’s choirs. I’ve loved playing piano ever since I was a kid, and now I get to help musicians by playing with them in rehearsals and performances.

I studied music in college, won some piano competitions, and worked with different musical groups around the country. I love getting to make music with others and helping students sound their best. Looking forward to making music together and being part of your musical journey!

Your Next Step

Mr. Holdt and Mr. Swift, choral directors, will be visiting the
JH to share about the choral program and hear all 8th graders.

Keep an eye out for notes from a JH mentor/buddy
connecting high school and junior high choir members.