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September
Distance Learning
Welcome to the 2022-2023 School Year!
We are thrilled to welcome all new raven singers to the choir family! It is the goal of Mr. Stenson, the choir booster parent organization, and the choir student leaders to create an exciting, supportive environment for all choir members and their families. This program is designed to support you in your music making goals. Whether you see yourself in choir because of an opportunity to be with friends, or as a way to prepare yourself for a career in music, this is the place for you.
2022-23 Choir Dates
Please review this year's list of events for choir. Performances and other choir activities are subject to change depending on the status of COVID 19 updates.
Choir Calendar and List of Dates
Google Classroom
You should automatically be enrolled into your choir's google classroom. This is where students will be able to access assignments, class documents as well as communicate with their teachers and classmates.
FAQ
Where do I find documents and assignments for my choir?
All class documents will be shared through google classroom.
Can anyone sign up for choir?
Yes!!! If you would like to sign up for choir, please email Mr. Stenson- jstenson@auburn.wednet.edu
Do I need to audition?
No!!! You can choose to audition to be considered for the advanced ensembles, but you can sing in choir without any audition.
Does it cost money?
There is a club fee of $35 that we ask all music students to pay. Each choir has a uniform requirement. The uniform cost ranges from $0 to $75 depending on the group. Students in Symphonic Choir, South Sound, and committed seniors have the opportunity to go on tour which also has a cost to individual students.
What if I/my family cant afford the club fee, uniform, or tour cost?
Our choir program and your student is supported by the Choir Booster Club, a volunteer organization that functions as a branch of the ARHS Booster Club. You/your student can apply for financial assistance for any choir related cost. Our goal is to make it possible for all students to participate fully regardless of financial concerns.
You will find important and useful class documents at the bottom of this webpage.
About the program...
The ARHS choir program is a home for all students interested in music and singing, regardless of prior experience or expertise. Students in this program are challenged to be the best version of themselves through teamwork and self discipline. Here are some comments from former students:
"Choir recharges my batteries and helps my mindset for my tough AP schedule..."
"I never thought that I could stand up and talk in front of people, but choir gave me that strength..."
"The friends I made in choir became like my family..."
Director:
Jonathan Stenson is the director of five choirs at Auburn Riverside High School and North Tapps Middle School, where he has created a robust academic and extracurricular music program. In addition to his classroom instruction, Jonathan directs school and community musicals, coaches boy’s lacrosse, and provides leadership and professional development opportunities for choir teachers in the Northwest region.
Students in Jonathan's program have had the opportunity to travel and perform in New York City, Washington DC, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Vancouver, British Columbia. As a result of high scoring festival performances, his choirs have been invited to perform in venues such as: Carnegie Hall (NY), Segerstrom Hall (L.A.), and the National City Church (D.C.).
Graduating seniors are often recruited and offered scholarships to high-achieving collegiate music programs due to the rigor and high standards Jonathan sets within his program. Several times within a school year, many of the same universities select Jonathan and his choir program for student teachers earning their degree in Music Education.
Across the Northwest, Jonathan is highly sought after as a clinician and festival adjudicator, where he provides directors and their students applicable feedback and opportunities for growth. Within the Auburn School District, Jonathan has led several committees and collaborated with other music educators and district office personnel. He has developed district learning standards for choir, expectations for program structure, and advocated for equity for all students. In 2020 he was selected as the Auburn School District High School Teacher of the year.
Jonathan embodies his philosophy of using music to empower others and challenge them to achieve more in all areas of life.
jstenson@auburn.wednet.edu
253 804 5154 (5143)
Daily Schedule
P.0 Vocal Jazz - AKA South Sound
P.1 Advanced Choir- AKA Symphonic Choir
P.2 Treble Choir- AKA Bella Voce
P.3 Concert Choir
AR Enrichment- Riverside Singers (Tenor/Bass Choir) Vocal Jazz Too (non-audition)
P.6 North Tapps Middle School
Concert Choir (MUS 210):
This choir is composed of all incoming 9th grade students as well as 10th-12th graders who have not
taken a choir class before. This class focuses on healthy vocal technique as well as ensemble singing and music literacy. Students will learn about their own instrument and discover the world of choral music.
Bella Voce (MUS 212):
This choir is an audition only treble (soprano and alto voice) ensemble. This class introduces more difficult choral repertoire and pushes students to grow in their individual and ensemble singing skill. This choir takes part in competitive festivals as well as the choir tour with symphonic choir and Vocal Jazz every other year.
Symphonic Choir (MUS 225):
This choir is an audition only mixed voice ensemble. Students typically have already participated in Chorale and Bella Voce (if treble voices) before making it into Symphonic. This choir takes part in competitive festivals and tours across the country. Recent tours have included Vancouver BC, Washington DC, and New York City. This year Symphonic choir will tour with the Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra to Los Angeles to participate in an exclusive festival at Segerstrom Hall.
Vocal jazz (MUS 230):
This choir is an audition only vocal jazz ensemble. All students in this class must also participate in a concert ensemble of their primary instrument. This class includes up to 16 singers, a bass player, a drummer, a piano player, and sound technicians. This group performs at multiple community events throughout the year, competitive festivals, and participates in the choir tours.
Choir Boosters
The ARHS choir program offers many opportunities for students that go beyond the classroom. The Choir Boosters are a group of volunteer parents who help support these student enrichment opportunities. This program would not be able to sustain participation in festivals, tours, and other vital activities without help from generous parents along the way. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation to the choir boosters, please reach out to our current parent board members.
Find us on FACE BOOK- Auburn Riverside Choir Parent Page
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