The Gilbert High School Concert Choir is comprised of 85 singers selected by audition. The ensemble is made up of sophomores, juniors and seniors. The Concert Choir studies and performs a wide range of repertoire that spans the centuries in both the western choral tradition and world music. The students in Concert Choir are highly involved in other activities including athletics, other performing arts, clubs, National Honor Society, and Student Council. Concert Choir has received superior ratings at festivals, has been selected for festival adjudicator’s choice awards, has been selected for having the best Men’s Section in a mixed ensemble, and has performed for the Arizona Music Educator’s Convention. Concert Choir tours nationally every other year and regionally every other year.
Advanced Vocal Ensemble is comprised of 20 singers selected by audition. The students have to be concurrently enrolled in the Gilbert High School Concert Choir. The ensemble is primarily made up of juniors and seniors with an occasional sophomore. The Advanced Vocal Ensemble studies and performs both chamber music and vocal jazz - spending about fifty-percent of the time on each and performing both styles at all concerts. AVE has received many “Superior” ratings, has performed for the Arizona Music Educator’s Convention, and sings locally for many events and occasions. AVE tours locally and regionally to sing with other groups and attend festivals.
Advanced Women’s Ensemble is comprised of 55 singers selected by audition. The choir frequently receives superior ratings at festivals. The ensemble performs and studies a wide variety of distinctive repertoire for women’s voices and the classroom provides a unique setting for young women to more fully develop their voices and musicianship.
Chorale is a mixed ensemble of approximately 50 singers. It is comprised primarily of freshmen and/or students with limited choral or musical background. The class focuses on building good vocal techniques and teaching basic musicianship. This choir performs regularly at school concerts, and attends festivals where they consistently receive high ratings. They perform a wide variety of music.
Women’s Chorus is a treble choir of approximately 20 singers. It is comprised primarily of freshmen. The class also focuses on building good vocal techniques and teaching basic musicianship. This choir performs regularly at school concerts, and attends festivals where they consistently receive high ratings. They perform a wide variety of music.
Merry Carol Spencer is in her eighth year as director of choral music at Gilbert High School. Prior to teaching at Gilbert High, Dr. Spencer held positions at the University of Nevada-Reno, Oklahoma City University, and Northern Arizona University. She has been the artistic director of the Canterbury Children's Chorus (Oklahoma City) as well as the conductor for the Reno Master Chorale. Although she has taught children through adults, high school students are her favorite age group. Merry Carol Spencer received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma (where she was awarded the Ph.D. Dissertation of the Year Award - 2000), a Master of Music degree from Northern Arizona University, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Colorado. She is a native of Pueblo, Colorado.
Jennifer Kidman Jarrett was born and raised in a musical family in Page, Arizona. Her love of music began with her Mom (who is also a musician) and singing with her sisters. Jennifer started vocal studies at Dixie State College, then graduated from Arizona State University in 2005 with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. She has performed with the ASU Concert Choir, University Choir and the Dixie Concert Choir. Jen also played French Horn in the Utah Southwest Symphony and the ASU Symphonietta. This is Mrs. Jarrett's sixth year at Gilbert High School where she enjoys making music with the students. When Jennifer isn't teaching, she sings professionally in a group called The Kidmans with her sisters. The Kidman's have recorded three CD's available at www.thekidmans.com. Jennifer is the proud mother of Jack and happily married to Matt, who is her best friend!
Gilbert High School has been awarded Excelling status for four consecutive years and is one of the premier high schools in the state. In its 90 years of service to the Gilbert community, the school has been awarded recognition for its exemplary educational programs, competitive athletic programs, superior performing and visual arts instruction, and its cutting-edge Career and Technical Education curriculum. Elite colleges and universities in the state and across the country recruit our graduates. The faculty, staff, and administration are dedicated to providing students with a rigorous, relevant, and enriching educational experience that will prepare them for life after high school. The positive interaction of the dynamic and diverse student body creates a school climate the embraces the contributions of all young people. Where is Gilbert High School?