OCJH Choir Classes

Updated August 2023

7th Grade Mixed Choir (JUNIOR CHORUS F BE on Skyward)

A1 Spring Semester, B7 Fall Semester, B7 Spring Semester

Half Year Class, Spring or Fall Semester

This class is an introduction to choral singing for 7th grade boys and girls combined. Students will learn the basics of healthy vocal skills, ear training, part-singing, harmonizing, performing techniques, and beginning elements of reading music. We will also explore the fundamentals of rehearsal and behavioral skills for a successful choir, which teaches good habits for collaboration, communication, creativity and more! There will be 2 concerts in the course of the semester during which students will have the opportunity to prepare music to perform live on stage as a choir. 

7th Grade Mixed Choir (CONCERT CHORALE on Skyward)

A4 Year Round

Full Year Class

This class is an introduction to choral singing for 7th grade boys and girls combined. Students will learn the basics of healthy vocal skills, ear training, part-singing, harmonizing, performing techniques, and beginning elements of reading music. We will also explore the fundamentals of rehearsal and behavioral skills for a successful choir, which teaches good habits for collaboration, communication, creativity and more! There will be 4 concerts in the course of the year during which students will have the opportunity to prepare music to perform live on stage as a choir. 

8th/9th Grade Men’s Choir (CHORUS TB on Skyward)

A1 Fall Semester

Half Year Class, Fall Semester

This class is a study of male choral singing for 8th and 9th grade boys, although if any students who identify alternatively care to join the class, that is completely acceptable. Voice parts will include Tenor and Bass specifically, without any Treble voices. Any student interested in taking this class must get permission from the choir teacher. Experience in 7th grade choir is highly recommended, though not required. Students will develop healthy vocal skills, ear training, part-singing, harmonizing, performing techniques, and intermediate elements of reading music. We will also explore the fundamentals of rehearsal and behavioral skills for a successful choir, which teaches good habits for collaboration, communication, creativity and more! There will be 2 concerts in the course of the semester during which students will have the opportunity to prepare music to perform live on stage as a choir. 

8th/9th Grade Women’s Choir (CHORUS SA on Skyward)

B8 Fall Semester

Half Year Class, Fall Semester

This class is a study of female choral singing for 8th and 9th grade girls, although if any students who identify alternatively care to join the class, that is completely acceptable. Voice parts will include soprano and alto specifically, without any bass or tenor voices. Experience in 7th grade choir is highly recommended, though not required. Students will develop healthy vocal skills, ear training, part-singing, harmonizing, performing techniques, and intermediate elements of reading music. We will also explore the fundamentals of rehearsal and behavioral skills for a successful choir, which teaches good habits for collaboration, communication, creativity and more! There will be 2 concerts in the course of the semester during which students will have the opportunity to prepare music to perform live on stage as a choir. 

8th Grade Mixed Choir (Eagle Chorus - appears as CHORUS SATB on Skyward)

B8 Spring Semester

Half Year Class, Spring Semester

This class is for students who were previously part of 8th/9th grade women’s choir or 8th/9th grade men’s choir during the fall semester, but is primarily for 8th grade boys and girls. Any student wishing to join the class without having been in either men’s or women’s choir previously must receive permission from the choir teacher. Students will continue to develop healthy vocal skills, ear training, part-singing, harmonizing, performing techniques, and intermediate elements of reading music. We will also explore the fundamentals of rehearsal and behavioral skills for a successful choir, which teaches good habits for collaboration, communication, creativity and more! There will be 2 concerts in the course of the semester during which students will have the opportunity to prepare music to perform live on stage as a choir. 

9th Grade Mixed Choir (CHORUS SATB on Skyward)

A2 Year Round

Full Year Class

This class is an introduction to choral singing for 9th grade boys and girls combined. Students will learn the basics of healthy vocal skills, ear training, part-singing, harmonizing, performing techniques, and beginning elements of reading music. We will also explore the fundamentals of rehearsal and behavioral skills for a successful choir, which teaches good habits for collaboration, communication, creativity and more! There will be 4 concerts in the course of the semester during which students will have the opportunity to prepare music to perform live on stage as a choir. 

8th/9th Grade ADVANCED Treble Choir (Bella Armonia - appears as ACAPELLA SA on Skyward)

B6 Year Round

Full Year Class

This class is an advanced study of choral singing for 8th and 9th grade girls, although if any students who identify alternatively care to join the class, that is completely acceptable. Voice parts will include soprano, second soprano and alto specifically, without any bass or tenor voices.  Students hoping to be part of this class must audition with the choir teacher, and previous experience in a choir class is strongly encouraged, though not required. In most cases, students who have already been in choir have performed a “voice check” with the choir teacher, which can serve as their audition if they wish. Students will develop advanced skills in healthy vocal production, ear training, part-singing, harmonizing, performing techniques, and advanced elements of reading music. We will also practice the rehearsal and behavioral skills used for a professional choir, which teaches good habits for collaboration, communication, creativity and more! There will be 4 concerts in the course of the semester during which students will have the opportunity to prepare music to perform live on stage as a choir. We will also attend at least 1 choir festival/field trip (spring). This class will include an $80 uniform fee, but students who are unable to pay the fee should speak with the choir teacher and explore other options. Inability to pay class fees should not prevent any student from auditioning and participating.   

9th Grade ADVANCED Mixed Choir (Encore - appears as CHORUS-AUDITION on Skyward)

A3 Year Round

Full Year Class

This class is an advanced study of choral singing for 9th grade boys and girls combined. Students hoping to be part of this class must audition with the choir teacher, and previous experience in a choir class is strongly encouraged, though not required. In most cases, students who have already been in choir have performed a “voice check” with the choir teacher, which can serve as their audition if they wish. Students will develop advanced skills in healthy vocal production, ear training, part-singing, harmonizing, performing techniques, and advanced elements of reading music. We will also practice the rehearsal and behavioral skills used for a professional choir, which teaches good habits for collaboration, communication, creativity and more! There will be 4 concerts in the course of the semester during which students will have the opportunity to prepare music to perform live on stage as a choir. We will also attend at least 2 choir festivals/field trips (fall and spring) as well as various other performance opportunities outside the school. This class will include an $80 uniform fee, but students who are unable to pay the fee should speak with the choir teacher and explore other options. Inability to pay class fees should not prevent any student from auditioning and participating.   

Vocal Performance (8th and 9th Grade)

This class is an advanced study of SOLO singing for 8th and 9th grade boys and girls. Students hoping to be part of this class must receive permission from the choir teacher, and previous experience in a choir class is required. Students will develop advanced skills in healthy vocal production, ear training, part-singing, harmonizing, performing techniques, and elements of reading music. We will work primarily on the individual voice and performing as soloists, small groups and duets. There will be recitals each term, during which students will have the opportunity to prepare and choose their own music to perform live on stage. Students will study different elements and techniques of vocal production, including musical theater, art songs, folk songs and pop music. Students in this class would be expected to sing solos frequently in class, and are specifically interested in developing their range as an individual, lead performer. The class will resemble a group voice lesson.