Feb. 3. Even though the music of choice differs among most seniors and teens, the Hough High School student singers connect throughout the year with the home owners in Bailey’s Glen.
“Our students love performing at Bailey’s Glen. The enthusiasm and appreciation for the students has created a very special bond between the students and residents of Bailey’s Glen,” said Hough High School Choral Director Heidi Hickox-Gordon.
The Bailey’s Glen-Hough High School Partnership is an integral part of the Howlin’ Huskie Choral Program, bringing performances to the more than 600 residents of the neighborhood.
Enthusiasm abounds for the concerts performed with the same energy level as when in competition for the “Excellent” and “Superior” awards earned by the Hough choirs in state and regional competitions.
Both the choral program and the homeowners benefit.
Financial support from the Partnership is key for the success and participation opportunities for all students, including expenses related to travel and competitions.
Hickox-Gordon has grown the choir program to include 160 students. Hough High currently has six different options for student participation: Beginning Choir, Intermediate Choir, Concert Choir, Women’s Chamber Singers, Show Choir and Women’s a cappella.
All Hough Choirs, specifically, the Hough Concert & Women’s Chamber Choirs, explore a variety of music repertoire throughout the school year, including music from other cultures sung in various languages.
As the school year progresses, the foundations of good vocal techniques, vocal health, sight reading, musicianship, and such are built upon previous skills.
Opportunities are offered for solos, regional choruses, and smaller specialty groups-both on and off-campus. With this growth and high caliber of student-talent and dedication has come many successes and increased invitations for performance opportunities.
Among the many awards received by the “Howlin’ Huskies,” the Show Choir won the North Carolina Association for Scholastic Activities (NCASA) High School Western Region Show Choir Championship in 2015, 2016 and 2017, as well as the NCASA State Show Choir Championship in 2017 and 2018, and they received runner up recognition in 2019.
In addition, the Howlin’ Huskies took awards for Best Show Design, Best Group Vocals, Best Live Band, and Best Female Vocalist.
“Music touches a part of our psyche that helps us regulate our lives; it helps us express our moods and attitudes, it helps us reorganize our thoughts and feelings while keeping us on track. I believe there is no substitute for music and music programming,” Hickox-Gordon said.