Honors A Cappella Choir is an audition-based mixed (SATB) choir for students in ninth through twelfth grade, that performs a wide variety of challenging literature from all time periods (renaissance, classical, contemporary, etc) at the highest level. This select ensemble is for strong singers committed to creating high-quality choral music. Members are chosen according to ability level, prior experience, musical knowledge, sight-singing ability, and needs of the choir (for example, balancing certain sections of the choir). Auditions for the following school year are held in the spring semester, and include a vocal and sight-reading audition. Faculty/advisor ratings, cooperation with others, and being a team player are also considered during auditions. All students must be able to display a positive representation of the school. If the need arises, other students may be placed as a result of an invitation from the director. Private lessons are strongly encouraged as well as participation in OMEA Solo and Ensemble. Performances are mandatory and will include OMEA District Contest in class B, A, or AA. This ensemble performs in the community and regionally. Additional outside performances are a requirement of the class, and extra rehearsals may be scheduled.

Tenor-Bass Chorus is primarily a training group for students in grades 9th-12th, with a tenor-bass voice range. Any student who is able to sing in the tenor-bass range (Tenor, Baritone, or Bass) is eligible for this course. Students in this group will receive vocal instruction, and gain a traditional choral experience by developing the fundamentals of basic musicianship and performance. A wide variety of music will be performed from all time periods (renaissance, classical, contemporary, etc). Students will be placed into smaller divisions based upon their voice part: Tenor I, Tenor II, Baritone, and Bass. Participation and preparation for performance are also a main focus. Performances are mandatory and will include the OMEA District Contest. For further development, private lessons and participation in OMEA Solo and Ensemble are encouraged.

Middle School Choir 3 is a year long choral ensemble open to any student who wants to learn, sing, and perform music. This course is a continuation of MS Choir 2. Students will continue to build on their developed skills as they explore more challenging musical concepts. Students will be challenged to demonstrate proper vocal technique and tone production, knowledge of musical terms, and mastery of basic sight reading skills including hand signs and solfege. Students will continue to develop an understanding and appreciation of the differences in music from other cultures and the connections music brings to people, places, and time. Students will continue to have the opportunity to use their voice to influence the varied repertoire of the course. Students will build a sense of belonging and community as the class bonds over team-building games, musical activities, and optional performance opportunities. 

For many students, 6th Grade choir is their FIRST introduction to being in an ensemble. 

6th Grade Choir is: 

• Open to all 6th Grade students, no experience required

• A fun, supportive introduction to singing and music-making

• Designed to help students feel successful from day one

• 6th Grade choir is the foundation for continued choir opportunities in later grades!

• The 6th grade choir has 3 -4 concerts per year and no extracurricular rehearsals outside of the school day. 

While at New Albany Middle School, choir members learn a wide range of quality choral repertoire ranging from classical and jazz to spirituals and multicultural music, spanning from the Medieval to Contemporary periods.

In addition to learning strong choral repertoire, NAMS choral rehearsals are centered on the nine national standards of music education, as determined by the Music Educators National Conference (MENC):

• Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

• Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

• Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.

• Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.

• Reading and notating music.

• Listening to, analyzing, and notating music.

• Evaluating music and music performances.

• Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.

• Understanding music in relation to history and culture.