GCISD Choral Program

GCISD offers a variety of performing organizations to meet the educational needs of all students interested in singing. Each choir caters to the student’s individual musical needs in effort to provide the most complete and effective musical education to each student. All choirs offer performance opportunities and focus on expanding the student’s knowledge of basic music theory, sight-reading skills, vocal technique, and music history. In addition to the development of individual musical skills, each choir is designed to teach self-discipline, commitment and teamwork. Students in all choirs are required to participate in activities outside of the school day including rehearsals, concerts and performances. Individual competitive opportunities for students include concert solos, solo and ensemble contests and auditions for the TMEA Region Choir and Texas All-State Choir. Choir is a full-year enrollment class. There are required fees associated with this activity. The campus Choral Director will provide a specific lists of costs.

(1 – 4) following the course number indicates the number of times a student has been enrolled in a course, not the student’s grade classification.

Choir Beginning (Sub Non-Varsity)

(Enrollment Based)

Course No. FACB (1-4 A/B)

Semesters: 2; Credits: 1

Prerequisite: None.

This non-auditioned choir serves as an introduction to choral and vocal music for 9-12^th grade students. The class is focused on building vocal technique and music reading skills. Membership is open to any interested student with a desire to grow as a singer and musician.

Choralier Choir (Non-Varsity)

(Enrollment Based)

Course No. FACH (1-4 A/B), FACC (1-4 A/B)

Semesters: 2; Credits: 1

Prerequisite: Director Approval. Previous Choral music experience recommended.

Choraliers (non-varsity) is an entry-level high school choir composed primarily of students experiencing their first year of high school choral music. Most students have previous choral experience in middle school choir, basic sight-reading skills, and an understanding of proper tone production. Students are admitted to this ensemble either through audition or the recommendation of their middle school choral director. Students perform choral literature of many genres and styles.

Concert Choir (Junior Varsity)

(Enrollment Based)

Course No. FACM (1-4 A/B), FACW (1-4 A/B)

Semesters: 2; Credits: 1

Prerequisite: Director Approval. Previous high school choral music experience recommended.

Concert Choir (junior varsity) is an auditioned group of primarily 10-12th grade students most of which have previous choral experience in high school choir, above average sight-reading skills and an outstanding academic record. Students perform moderate level choral literature of many genres and styles.

Choir Varsity Mixed (VARSITY)

(Enrollment Based)

Course No. FACV (1-4 A/B)

Semesters: 2; Credits: 1

Prerequisite: Director Approval. Previous high school choral music experience required.

Chorale /A Cappella is the varsity choir at the high school level. Membership is through audition and open primarily to students with previous choral experience in grades 10-12 with advanced tone production and sight-reading skills and an outstanding academic record. Students perform advanced choral literature of many genres and styles.

Choir Vocal Ensemble

(Enrollment Based)

Course No. FACJ (1-4 A/B)

Semesters: 2; Credits: 1

Prerequisite: Director Approval. Previous choral music experience recommended. Concurrent enrollment in a varsity or non-varsity choir required.

Vocal Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble that specializes in small group singing that may include pop, jazz, or other choral literature. Concurrent enrollment in another choir is required for participation in this ensemble. Students that are enrolled in a vocal ensemble that includes a dance element (choreography) may earn either Fine Arts or PE waiver credits.