How To Describe Choir On Common App

“Singing Your Way to College: How to Describe Choir on the Common App”

Let’s be real, folks. The Common App is a beast. You’ve got essays to write, recommendations to gather, and a million other boxes to tick. And then there’s the Activities section, which is basically your chance to showcase your extracurriculars and prove you’re not just a textbook-toting robot.

But what about those of you who spend your evenings belting out tunes instead of hitting the books? How do you make your choir experience shine on that Common App?

Well, fear not, my fellow a cappella aficionados! This guide will help you turn your choir experience into a compelling story that’ll make those admissions officers sing your praises.

The Power of a Good Song:

Think of the Activities section as your personal concert. You want to make sure you’re hitting all the right notes to impress the audience (aka the college admissions folks).

Here’s the breakdown:

1. The Title: Forget “Choir” or “Singing.” Get creative! Think “Chamber Choir: Mastering the Art of Harmony,” or “Leading the Way as a Soprano in the School’s Show Choir.”
2. The Lyrics: This is where you get to showcase your skills and achievements. Instead of just listing your choir, describe the kind of music you perform, your role within the choir (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass), and any special accolades you’ve received.
3. The Setlist: Don’t just list the name of the choir and its meetings. Include specifics.
   • Name of the Activity: “Chamber Choir” or “Show Choir.”
   • Name of the Club/Organization/Team/Group (if applicable): “School Chamber Choir” or “Community Show Choir.”
   • Number of years: “4 years” or “3 years.”
   • Time Commitment: “Dedicated 3 hours/week for 34 weeks/year.”
   • Position/Leadership: “Alto Section Leader” or “Vocal Captain.”
4. The Encore: This is your chance to shine! Use the 150-word description to show off your achievements.
   • Did you win a competition? “Led the choir to a Superior rating at the regional music festival.”
   • Did you play a solo? “Performed a moving rendition of ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’ at the annual winter concert, earning a standing ovation.”
   • Did you help plan a fundraiser? “Organized a successful fundraising concert to support the choir’s travel to the national competition.”

Make Your Voice Heard:

Remember, the Common App is just a platform for you to tell your story. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Use your 150-word description to showcase your passion for music and your dedication to your choir.

Here are some tips to make your choir experience sing:

• Emphasize Leadership: Did you hold a leadership role in your choir? Highlight it! “Served as the Vocal Captain, leading rehearsals and mentoring younger members.”
• Show Your Growth: Did you overcome a challenge or improve your skills over time? “Initially intimidated by solos, I worked hard to develop my vocal technique and performed a solo at the spring concert.”
• Connect it to Your Goals: Do you want to pursue music in college? Connect your choir experience to your future aspirations. “My passion for choral music has inspired me to pursue a career in music education.”
• Don’t Be Afraid to Show Your Personality: Humor and personality are welcome! “I love the camaraderie of singing in a choir, and the feeling of making beautiful music together is truly inspiring.”

Remember, college admissions officers are on the lookout for well-rounded individuals who are passionate and engaged. Your choir experience is a valuable asset, so don’t be shy about showcasing it!

Now, go forth and sing your heart out!

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