With the commencement of the 2025-26 school year all choir students are required to complete solo sightreading in front of the class. Choir directors Justin Shen and Jade Blakey hope that this new addition improves student confidence. Students have mixed reviews.
“Part of our coursework is to become performers,” Blakely said. “Performing as a group is definitely one of my favorite parts about choir, but in building your personal confidence, that’s getting to know your own voice. You never hear your own voice when you sing together.”
Sightreading is a process used in audition and class settings to test an individual’s ability to sing the rhythm and pitch of a brand new exercise musically and accurately. This year, students gained access to Sightreading Factory, a website where they can practice exercises based on the required levels. During class, they can either volunteer to go or are called on at random. Each student has around 10-15 seconds to practice the four-measure piece before performing it to the class. If the student passes on the first try, they receive a sticker. If the student fails, they have to try again on a different day…