DHS Chorus
Creating Harmony and Community
Our ProgramsWhere Students Find Their Voice and Their Sound
DHS has one of the strongest choral programs in the state. With 200+ students across four choirs, DHS consistently preforms at the highest level in competitions and evaluations including all “Superior” ratings at the Large Group Performance Evaluations- the highest score available. DHS Chorus has led the state in participants in All State Chorus Our choral program focuses on diversity in repertoire study and programming, including music of major historical periods and world music.
Growing Voices, Confidence and Community
The Decatur High School Choral Program is a place where students develop their voices, musicianship and confidence while discovering the power of creating music together. Through a diverse repertoire and a supportive, collaborative environment, students learn to perform with artistry, discipline and expression while building skills that extend far beyond the stage.
Artistically, the program challenges students to grow as well-rounded vocalists and performers—developing healthy vocal technique, musicality, expression, ensemble skills and an appreciation for a wide range of choral traditions and styles.
Academically, students build a strong foundation in music literacy, theory, ear training, vocal production and performance practice. Just as importantly, they develop collaboration, focus, creativity, communication and perseverance—skills that support success in the classroom, on the stage and throughout their lives.
The goal is not simply to teach students how to sing, but to help them become confident, thoughtful and creative musicians who understand the value of listening, contributing and finding their voice within a community.
Elise Eskew Sparks, Director
Dr E-S has been the Choral Director at Decatur High School since 2012. For some of these years, she concurrently served as the Director of Choral Activities at Agnes Scott College (2008-2019). Elise has grown the choral program at Decatur High School from 35 to over 180 students during her tenure, leading the state in All State Reading Chorus participants and All State Chorus participants from a non-performing arts high school.
Elise holds a Ph.D. in Music Education from Georgia State University, received a Master of Sacred Music in choral conducting from Emory University in 2005, and is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1996). A mezzo-soprano, Elise has sung in Carnegie Hall workshops as well as with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus and Chamber Chorus.
Your Questions, Answered
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Please go to the donate page here and use the drop-down menu to pick the fee you are paying. If you cannot afford the fee, please contact Dr. E-S and request a scholarship.
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City Schools of Decatur has a weapons screening system and a clear bag policy for all events held on school grounds. The policy can be found on the district website; however it can be enforced differently. The best bet is to only bring clear bags. At chorus events we generally do not provide a bag check.
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We love volunteers! Look out for sigh-ups from Dr. E-S for concert and field trip sign up forms. For more info on volunteering with Decatur Performs, reach out to us via email at president@decaturperforms.org.
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Many performances take place at the Decatur High School Performing Arts Center, although you should check communications from Dr. E-S for specifics regarding timing and location of performances. She will always have the most up-to-date information.
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Street parking (metered) is available on S. McDonough in front of the school, or in the DHS parking lot facing Howard.
