Auditions for Madrigals and Chambers were held on August 26 and 27. Madrigal and chambers are two different singing groups at Sterling High School. 

  This year at auditions, there were about 65 people who tried out, which is a lot more than in previous years. Auditions were held on August 26 during eighth hour and August 27 during both eighth hour and in the morning. 

  With so many people trying out this year, auditions were extra competitive. Sophomore Jocelyn Pink said, “It was a little nerve wracking but overall it was a smooth and easy process.” 

  At auditions, students were given a song which they had to learn on the spot and sing in small groups. The groups were switched around many times during the audition process so the directors could hear how different voices sounded together.

  A big change this year is that chambers are composed of only girls which will be directed by choir director Matthew Butler, the new choir teacher at Challand Middle School. Chambers is composed of 20 girls and some of the madrigal girls will also be joining them in singing a few songs for this new girls only group.

  This is a big change for Chambers but many members are excited about it. Sophomore Sadie Hendrix thinks “it will be good for sopranos and altos to be working with solely music made for a girls only group, which can improve their skills for other activities such as the musical or choir.”

  Madrigals is composed of 23 members this year with six sopranos, six altos, six tenors, but only five basses. Madrigal members learn many different songs, which they have to memorize and perform at Bethel Church during the beginning of December. Madrigals also go on a retreat and perform at many other places such as elementary schools and nursing homes. 

  Practices for these groups will start the week of September 9. Madrigals will practice on Mondays and Thursday during eighth hour while chambers will practice Tuesday and Fridays during eighth hour. At these practices, members will start to learn their songs in order to prepare for their performances.

  Madrigals and Chamber members work very hard to learn their songs which they will sing in the beginning of December, where people can come watch while they enjoy dinner and dessert.