MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR
Choir provides students with the opportunity to appreciate the work and dedication necessary for singing in a chorus, as well as the enjoyment felt from bringing a piece of music to life and the camaraderie that results from the process. Students sing in unison, two-part, and three-part harmony. Activities include a daily study of speech, rhythm, singing, creative movement and dance, drama, and improvisation. Students also learn to read music and to understand basic theoretical concepts. Repertoire is drawn from a variety of styles, time periods, and cultures. Students play an active role in their learning. Rehearsals culminate in performances, both in school and for the larger community.
CONCERT CHOIR
Concert Choir is a performance-based class, open to all students in grades 9 – 12. Students enrolled are devoted to the study of musical performance representing a wide variety of styles. The class includes an introduction to fundamental singing techniques. Choir is a yearlong class and meets every other day. Students only occasionally rehearse outside the school day and participate in evening/weekend events. The students who participate in choir will be enriched socially, while further enhancing skills in teamwork, music literacy, critical listening, and cultural exploration. Students who wish to sing on a daily basis may also choose to participate in Encore, which is a small ensemble that meets on opposite days of Concert Choir.
Student/Ensemble Goals
1. The student will rehearse and demonstrate elements of proper
vocal technique (relaxation, posture, breathing, support, resonance, projection,
vowel production, tone quality, vowel formation, blend, balance, diction, dynamic
control, and poise).
2. The student will strengthen basic musicianship skills through the demonstration
of musical vocabulary, interval recognition & production, tonal memory,
rhythmic accuracy, phrasing, and solfege application.
3. The student will rehearse and perform repertoire from various time periods,
genres and languages.
Skill Content/Major Concepts Covered
· Choral score literacy (up to 4 staves plus the accompaniment
line), which includes music theory exercises: tonal memory, oral dictation,
phrasing, sight-singing, counting rhythms, intervals, structures of scales,
and major key signatures.
· Relaxation techniques and appropriate posture
· Breathing methods for proper muscular support
· Development of resonance and projection
· Creating a unified vowel formation within the group
· Extending the vocal range
· Exploring tone quality and vocal color
· Choral ensemble techniques (blend, balance, intonation, diction, dynamic
control)
· Interpretation through facial expressions, body movement & choreography,
sign language and dramatization
· Concert etiquette, poise community service and public relations