Choir

The GHS Choir Department offers international travel and performance. They collaborate with well-known University programs, work with prestigious conductors, and combine area high schools for enrichment concerts. There are many performance opportunities with the choir throughout the year. They pride themselves in hosting professional choral concerts in the DFW area. Students are encouraged and challenged to expand their knowledge of all aspects of choral performance.

Meet the director

Daniel Montgomery

Daniel Montgomery

Daniel Montgomery is the Director of Choirs at Garland High School. He has earned two degrees from Texas A&M University at Commerce: a Bachelors of Science in Music Education with Vocal Emphasis in 2011; and a Master of Music with emphasis in Choral Conducting in 2020. He studied voice under vocal professors DeeAnn Gorham, Roger Bryant, and Travis McGuire.

He has been a member of: the Garland All-City Boy's Choir; Schrade Middle School A'Cappella Choir, Director- Karen Lewis; Rowlett High School A'Cappella Choir and Chamber Singers, Directors- Danny Baker, Monica Awbrey, and Robert Ward; TAMUC Chorale, Directors- Dr. Chris White, Dr. William Witwer, Dr. Bonnie Sneed, and Dr. Randy Hooper; North American Vocal Ensemble, Director- Dr. Bonnie Sneed.

From 2011-2019, he was the Director of Choirs at Copperas Cove High School. In eight years’ time, CCHS Choir earned two dozen UIL trophies and plaques, including the school's very first Sweepstakes trophy. Also during that time, the program enjoyed numerous All-State Choir members and hundreds of UIL Solo & Ensemble medalists. He was privileged to work with associate directors Ginger Thompson and Cameron Dinkens who deserve a ton of credit for the program's success.

In Fall 2019, he became the GHS Director of Choirs, joining the fabulous Ms. Coretta Smith on staff. He is BEYOND THRILLED to be a Garland Owl and to continue the rich tradition of Garland Choir. Gig 'em Owls!

Group photo of the GHS all district choir members and the GHS choir emblem

Courses

Acappella choir

This is one of the first-year CHOIR courses offering a fine arts credit required for graduation. This course is designed for the advanced vocal student who has proven through audition the ability to perform above average in the areas of vocal technique, sight reading, and audio perception. The student will continue his/her musical endeavors on a higher level as he/she studies voice, theory, sight reading, intervallic and rhythmic analysis, and style through the performance of the most difficult music available for high school choirs. The choir will perform numerous concerts and will participate in U.I.L. competition. Students may also be expected to participate in U.I.L. solo and ensemble competition.

Mixed choir

This is one of the first-year CHOIR courses offering a fine arts credit required for graduation. Students develop advanced vocal techniques needed to audition for the top performing choirs and to develop an appreciation of good choral music. Desirable vocal skills will be stressed through the rehearsal and performance of a variety of styles of choral music. The basic fundamentals of music theory will be emphasized through sight reading and rhythmic reading exercises. Participation in U.I.L. competition as individuals in solo and ensemble contests may be expected as well as participation in U.I.L. as a choral group.

Treble select

This is one of the first-year CHOIR courses offering a fine arts credit required for graduation. Students develop advanced vocal techniques necessary for the performance of difficult music for treble voices. The study of music theory fundamentals will be continued through sight reading, rhythmic reading, and intervallic analysis. Performances may include concerts, U.I.L. choir contest, and U.I.L. solo and ensemble contest.

Other groups and ensembles

For questions about choir and ensembles, please contact Daniel Montgomery.

Quicklinks