The 7th and 8th grade advanced choir typically consists of students who have prior singing experience, often from participation in 6th-grade choir or similar programs. Membership may require an audition or recommendation, ensuring that students have the skills and commitment necessary for advanced repertoire and competitive performance.
Skill Refinement: Students refine vocal techniques such as tone quality, breath control, pitch accuracy, and dynamic expression.
Advanced Music Literacy: Focus on reading complex musical notation, understanding harmonies, and mastering advanced rhythms.
Performance Excellence: Preparing students for high-level performances and competitions, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride.
The repertoire includes pieces drawn from a variety of genres such as classical, jazz, spirituals, contemporary, and world music.
Songs are chosen for their ability to showcase technical skill, emotional expression, and ensemble coordination.
Pieces often align with competition criteria, emphasizing diversity, difficulty, and artistic interpretation.
Rehearsals: These are more frequent and intensive, focusing on polishing performances, sectional rehearsals, and individual accountability for parts.
Competitions: The choir participates in local, regional, or state-level choral festivals and contests, often adjudicated by experienced judges.
Performances: In addition to competitions, the choir performs at school events, community programs, and special ceremonies.
Team Cohesion: Emphasizing collaboration and mutual support among members.
Artistic Interpretation: Developing the ability to convey emotion and tell a story through music.
Time Management: Balancing choir commitments with academics and other extracurricular activities.
Winning Mindset: Cultivating resilience and a professional approach to critique and competition.
Students may have roles such as section leaders, soloists, or student conductors, promoting responsibility and leadership skills.
An advanced 7th and 8th-grade choir is not only a showcase of talent but also a training ground for lifelong skills like teamwork, discipline, and musical artistry. It instills a sense of pride and achievement as students work together to reach new heights in competitive and creative expression. They will compete at UIL Concert & Sight-reading in the spring.