Chorus
Choral Ensembles
Chorus 6
This is a performance-oriented course which includes required concert participation. This class develops the student’s ability to sing two-part choral literature. Students will be introduced to vocal technique, music theory, ear-training, and sight-reading. Participation in Chorus 6 is a firm building block for successful participation in Chorus 7 and a lifelong enjoyment of music.
Chorus 7
This is a performance-oriented course, which includes required concert participation. This class develops the student’s ability to sing two-part and/or three-part choral literature. Students will continue their studies of vocal technique, theory, ear-training, and sight-reading. Participation in Chorus 7 is a firm building block for successful participation in Chorus 8 and a lifelong enjoyment of music.
Chorus 8
This is a performance-oriented course, which includes required concert participation. This course develops the student’s ability to sing three-part and/or four-part choral literature. There will be a continued emphasis on vocal technique, theory, and sight-reading. Participation in Chorus 8 is a firm building block for successful participation in the various high school choral ensembles and a lifelong enjoyment of music.
Auditioned Ensembles
Show Choir
We are thrilled to offer two competitive show choirs here at Russell Middle School– Leaders of the Pack (Varsity) and the Subwoofers (JV). Each ensemble consists of around 60 singer/dancers. The show choirs travel to competitions and compete with other middle schools in the area, performing high-energy ten minute shows with singing, choreography, a band, costumes, and props. Rehearsals run once a week after school from September to March. Auditions take place at the end of August.
*you must be in either Chorus 6, Chorus 7, or Chorus 8 to be involved in show choirs*
Musical
The musical is an hour-long stage production that is performed through singing, acting, and dance. You can audition for specific lead roles, who are the main story tellers, or join as an ensemble cast member, who help tell the story in groups. The musical rehearses before school and culminates in a performance at the Millard West High School auditorium. Past shows have included Frozen, Mary Poppins, The Lion King, and Shrek. Auditions take place at the end of August.
*you do NOT have to be in Chorus to be involved in the musical*
Wolfgang
Wolfgang is the a cappella group here at RMS, comprising of about 18-20 singers. A cappella groups perform all their music with voices only, and perform arrangements of modern pop music in a variety of both casual and formal performances throughout the year. Members of the Wolfgang a cappella group must demonstrate a high level of ear-training and sight-reading skills, as well as confidence in their solo and part singing, due to the small size of the group. Singers and beatboxers both are both encouraged to audition in early January, and the ensemble rehearses from January-May.
Meet the Director
Mr. Firkins is the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade choir director and 6th grade general music teacher at Russell Middle School. He is also the director of the show choirs, the musical production, and the Wolfgang a cappella group. Mr. Firkins enjoys singing, playing the piano, writing music, playing video games, traveling, and cheering on the Huskers!
Questions about anything choir-related at RMS? Email Mr. Firkins at abfirkins@mpsomaha.org!
