Students in the vocal interest area have choir classes each day with 42 minutes of instruction. Our choirs are the 4th and 5th grade Rising Stars, the 6th grade Concert Choir, the 7th and 8th grade Symphonic Choir, and our two auditioned groups, Show Choir (grade 6-8) and Chamber Choir (grades 6-8).

Classes focus on developing healthy vocal technique in a wide variety of musical styles, including, pop, rock, jazz, classical, and other historical styles. Students will focus on accurate pitch and rhythm, effective expression, healthy tone quality, good breath support, supportive singing posture, and knowledge of the inner workings of their bodies as it relates to vocal technique.

Not only are vocal interest area students instructed on the performance of choral music, but they also learn about the history of vocal music and the influential composers and performers that influenced the vocal arts. Students listen to and perform influential works from throughout music history and learn to appreciate a wider variety of music.

In addition to performance skills and knowledge of music history, students will begin the long journey towards music literacy, the ability to read sheet music.  Students will regularly be asked to sight-read new music at varying levels of difficulty with the goal of slowly and securely building their skills so that they can be prepared for high school vocal music and beyond.

Additional Opportunities

Miller South Clubs: The Tri-M Music

Vocal interest area students have several opportunities to perform throughout the year, one of which is Open House; Show Choir performs each year at this event and act as ambassadors of the program. All vocal interest area students in grades 4-8 perform as part of their curriculum in the Winter and Spring Choir Concerts, in addition to several other performances in and around Northeast Ohio. Students participating in Show Choir and Chamber Choir have added performance opportunities both at Miller South and in the community.

The vocal department also offers a Show Choir and a Chamber Choir designed to provide additional high-level performance opportunities and outreach to the community. Students entering grades 6-8 may audition in the spring to be considered for the Show Choir, provided that they have been a Miller South student for one year and are in good academic standing. Show Choir is open to students in all interest areas.  Students that are in the 6th grade Concert Choir or the 7th and 8th grade Symphonic Choir may also choose to audition for the Chamber Choir in the spring.