GPN Choir History

The choirs of Grosse Pointe North High School have a rich history of performance in the community and participation in choral festivals throughout the country. Previous performances include a Tribute to Irving Berlin under the direction of Mr. Fred Waring in New York’s Avery Fisher Hall and an invitational performance/competition in Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. North choir members have performed in Carnegie Hall three times, twice under the direction of English composer John Rutter performing works such as Rutter’s Magnificat, Durufle’s Requiem and Haydn’s Creation. They have also performed Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, Schubert’s Mass in G, Mozart’s Requiem with Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra, and Haydn’s Little Organ Mass.  In the Spring of 2005, the choirs performed a concert of octavo works at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. under the direction of renowned composer and conductor, Z. Randall Stroope.

North’s choirs consistently earn Superior ratings at Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) District and State Choral Festivals; North choral students regularly are chosen for district and state Honors Choirs.  In 2003-2004 North's Pointe Chorale Ensemble was selected as one of twelve State Finalist Ensembles from over 300 choirs. This ensemble participated in a State Finalist Recital in May at Michigan Youth Arts Festival held at Western Michigan University. This is the highest achievement possible for an ensemble in the state of Michigan.

There are four performing ensembles in the North choral department: Norsemen, Treble Chorus, Concert Choir, and Pointe Chorale. Each of these ensembles uses high quality repertoire from a wide variety of musical styles and cultures, sight reading and theory to develop rich artistic expression and strong musicianship skills.

After-school ensembles include AcaFella, directed by Jed Scott, and Vocal Jazz, directed by Mrs. Scott.

North is proud to have a fine music staff of a full time accompanist, Cheryl Faba, and three voice teachers: Emily Benner, Alaina Brown and Tam Lehew-Witty.

North choirs present diverse concerts throughout the school year: Fall Collage, Holiday Concert, and a Broadway and Pops Concert.  In the spring of 2005, the choirs performed at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. under the direction of renowned composer and conductor, Z. Randall Stroope.