District Festivals/
Field Trips
There are multiple opportunities to attend field trips, special festivals, and district-sponsored events throughout the year in the vocal music program at Alameda. See below for more information on each.
The Jeffco TENOR/BASS CHOIR FESTIVAL occurs each September, and is traditionally hosted at Ralston Valley HS. Members from each participating high school Tenor/Bass choirs (and interested middle school boys) learn two pieces to sing as one extra-large tenor/bass choir and work with a guest clinician. Additionally, choirs can choose to perform a piece as an individual choir. There are always a lot of jokes and fun memories to make with each other. It's very fun way to kick-off the school year!
The MSU CHORAL CELEBRATION occurs annually in November at the King Center Concert Hall and Recital Hall on the Metro State campus in Denver. The Alameda Madrigals plan to participate in this event in 2023, and for years to come. The emphasis of this festival is to educate, encourage, and motivate choral ensembles to continue their musical growth throughout the school year and feel inspired by their own musical potential. This event is a great opportunity to watch and listen to excellent high school choral singing from around the metro area, and to discover options for participating in music post-high school.
The Jeffco TREBLE CHOIR FESTIVAL typically occurs in February, and will be hosted at Alameda this year! Members from participating high school treble choirs learn 1-2 choir pieces to sing as one district-wide treble choir and work with a guest clinican. Individual choirs can choose to perform a piece for written feedback in the afternoon portion of the event. It's a great way to collaborate with other treble singers, learn about the choir programs at district high schools, and feel connected as musicians.
Each year, high school large mixed vocal ensembles can choose to participate in the Jeffco SING-IN FESTIVAL, sometimes held in October, sometimes held in April. This is an event for groups who don't typically go to contests or festivals, but have great repertoire to perform and share. Each choir performs two songs for an audience of fellow choir singers and directors - no written critique, no ratings, just singing for its own sake. This event is often the highlight of the year for the Mixed Choir, and is a great way for Mrs. Fleming to hear new music to program for future concerts.
In addition to these non-rated festival opportunities, Mrs. Fleming aims to bring the auditioned choirs of Alameda to contests and competitions every couple years. In April 2019, the Lyrics and Madrigals attended the WORLDSTRIDES HERITAGE FESTIVAL in Colorado Springs and earned Silver and Gold ratings, respectively, for their performances. On top of getting to perform for ratings and feedback, the students attended a formal dinner-dance event, went to the Manitou Cave Dwellings, and visited Garden of the Gods during their overnight stay. It was a fantastic weekend of music-making, memory-making, and bonding as a choir family. There are many local and regional events like this festival, and students who are members of Madrigals can expect to attend this type of festival event at least once in their high school singing career at Alameda.
The TRILLS AND THRILLS FESTIVAL occurs each spring, and is an opportunity for Alameda's less-experienced choirs to be evaluated by adjudicators and receive written or verbal feedback. In addition to performing for judges, this festival is accompanied by a day trip to Elitch Gardens for some much-deserved fun and games at the end of the year. This is a great way for younger singers to be introduced to the competitive festival experience. The 7/8 Choir and non-auditioned groups may attend this festival every few years.
In addition to the competitive festival opportunities listed above, other field trips the choir program may participate in include attending live professional performances such as full-length operas with Colorado Opera and The Arvada Center regional theatre. Students have visited the Alameda area elementary schools to perform and speak to students about the music and performing arts programs at Alameda International. I hope to being a tradition for the Men's Choir to annually tour our feeder elementary schools with the Jazz Band, which would include a fun lunch outing during the day. The opportunities to travel, perform, and witness other performances are nearly endless! One thing is for sure: students in the choir program will have an enriching experience no matter what group they are part of, or how long they choose to participate.
