Credit: 1

Level: 10,11,12

PREREQUISITE: Audition

APPROXIMATE FEES: $20 uniform fee; outfit must be professionally dry cleaned at the end of the year; fundraising efforts are expected

NOTE: Evening performance commitments occur throughout the year. Attendance is required.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: One of the premiere performance groups open to 10^th-12^th grade. This is a mixed voice choir for SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass parts) who demonstrate advanced sight reading skills and tonal memory. Admission by audition only. Ensemble will explore Madrigal and Renaissance era repertoire (to cover caroling expectations of community and Solo Ensemble requirements) as well as Gospel, contemporary literature (ex. Eric Whitacre) and Contemporary A cappella (pop music). Some movement/dance may be incorporated. Group will occasionally combine with Concert Choir to explore large compositions of the Masters (ex. Vivaldi “Gloria”, Schubert Mass in G).

Credit: 1

Level: 11,12

PREREQUISITE: Audition

APPROXIMATE FEES: $20 uniform fee; outfit must be professionally dry-cleaned at the end of the year; fundraising efforts are expected

NOTE: Evening performance commitments occur throughout the year. Attendance is required.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: One of the premiere performance groups open to treble (soprano and alto) voices in 11^th-12^th grade with a serious interest in vocal development and exploration of challenging SSAA (soprano/alto) literature. Audition only. Ensemble will explore all aspects of treble literature, from Madrigal to Vocal Jazz. Some movement/dance may be incorporated.

Credit: 1

Level: 9,10,11,12

PREREQUISITE: None

APPROXIMATE FEES: None

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Concert Choir is for 9th-12th grade vocalists who wish to participate in the enriching experience of singing in a mixed ensemble (high and low voices). Music of all periods is studied, and emphasis is on the joy of singing and music exploration. Music from all classical and folk styles is explored in a four-part SATB (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) setting.

Required evening concerts are scheduled three times a year in addition to a graduation performance (optional). Quarterly music fundamentals/individual lessons are also required as a supplement to rehearsals. Participation in the WSMA Solo/Ensemble Festival is strongly encouraged. Field trips are possible.

IMPORTANT: Incoming 9th grade tenors and basses/baritones (low voices) should register for Concert Choir. Incoming 9th sopranos and altos (high voices) should register for Treble Choir (please see course description below). A student unsure about their voice part should ask their 8th grade choir teacher.

Credit: 1

Level: 9,10,11,12

PREREQUISITE: None

APPROXIMATE FEES: None

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Treble Choir is for singers (soprano and alto voices) who sing in the treble range (high voices) and wish to participate in the enriching experience of singing in a 3-4 part SSA (soprano alto) ensemble. Music of all periods is studied, and emphasis is on the development of vocal technique and music literacy. The fundamentals of music are emphasized and a variety of genre is sung, both a cappella and with accompaniment.

Required evening concerts are scheduled three times a year as well as an optional performance at graduation. Quarterly music fundamentals/individual lessons are also required as a supplement to classroom rehearsals. Participation in the WSMA Solo/Ensemble Festival is strongly encouraged. Field trips are possible.

IMPORTANT: Incoming 9th grade sopranos and altos (high voices) should register for Treble Choir. Incoming 9th grade tenors and basses/baritones (low voices) should register for Concert Choir (please see description above). Any student unsure about their voice part should ask their 8th grade choir teacher.

Credit: 1
Level: 10,11,12

PREREQUISITE: Ability to read music, either clef; enrollment in a music performance class or written consent of teacher

APPROXIMATE FEES: TBD

NOTE: Class size is limited to 12 students

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Music Theory is a class for serious music students. The class explores the musical elements of melody, rhythm, harmony, and form. Musical compositions are analyzed; writing exercises are used to learn common tonal part–writing practices which were developed in the 18th Century. Aural skills are developed in order to recognize intervals and chord quality. Musical keyboarding skills are taught enabling students to play basic accompaniments. Students utilize computer software for ear–training exercises and musical composition assignments.