It has come to my attention that there are issues in the choir program around malicious gossip and the use of cyber bullying to ridicule and tear down other members of the choir. The evidence has been shared with me and I have forwarded it on to the administration and counseling. This is not okay and will not be tolerated in any way! Membership in the choir program is dependent upon demonstrated good character.

The choir program at Tigard High School is a safe place. We defend the right for people to be safe in the choir program.We don’t put people down, ever!

As I stated in a previous blog posting, what I look for in singers includes this:

“A Generous Human Being – someone who is kind, accepting, treats people with dignity, refrains from gossip. A humble and self-reflective person. Someone who takes constructive criticism.”

Everyone is welcomed here. Everyone is valued here. Everyone has the opportunity to grow and become the best self that you are. Everyone has the opportunity to take risks in the development of their voice.

This is who we are:

We are kind. We are gracious. We are humble. We are supportive. We collaborate. We strive for excellence. We acknowledge our diversity of membership and honor all who come to the table to be their best self. We celebrate each other. We embrace the goodness in each other. We have each other’s backs.

We are a family. 

We are Tigard High School Choirs. 

And for this reason, I am proud to be your director.

Good character matters!

Mr. Hawthorne