COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
HAWK Choir Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Pre: None
Designed for beginning and intermediate bass/tenor and soprano/alto singers (changed and unchanged voices), this HS starter choir teaches skills in music reading and singing. Units are taught in music theory (note and rest values, notes of the staff, time and key signatures, major and minor scales. intervals). This class is academic- as well as performance-oriented. Recommended that students take this class before auditioning for advanced ensembles. All styles of music are studied, as are best-practice techniques for music sight-reading.
"A-Choir" (Varsity competitive choir) Focused Elective: AC
Grades: 10,11,12 CRLE Opportunity Credit: 1
Pre: Teacher recommendation through audition; an "A" grade on music theory comprehensive exam.
This large varsity concert ensemble studies advanced choral literature of many styles. Rehearsals are concentrated, dynamic, and fast-paced. Student musicianship is developed throughout the year and self-discipline is essential. Basic knowledge of music theory and sight singing is required. A high level of personal conduct is expected. The group performs outside of the school for contests, festivals, and community events. A-Choir tours somewhere in the U.S. every other year. Heavy focus on reading music at sight. A-Choir be taken only after audition with director. Come join the choir family!
Bass/Tenor Choir Credit: 1
Grades: 9-12
Pre: None
Designed for beginning and intermediate bass/tenor singers (changed and unchanged voices), this HS starter choir teaches skills in music reading and singing. Units are taught in music theory (note and rest values, notes of the staff, time and key signatures, major and minor scales. intervals). This class is academic- as well as performance-oriented. Recommended that students take this class before auditioning for advanced ensembles. All styles of music are studied, as are best-practice techniques for music sight-reading.
Treble Choir
Grades: 9-12 Credit: 1
Pre: None
Designed for beginning and intermediate alto and soprano singers (changed and unchanged voices), this HS starter choir teaches skills in music reading and singing. Units are taught on music theory (note and rest values, notes of the staff, time and key signatures, major and minor scales. intervals). This class is academic- as well as performance-oriented. Recommended that students take this class before auditioning for advanced ensembles. All styles of music are studied, as are best-practice techniques for music sight-reading.
JV Select SSA Choir Focused Elective: AC
Grades: 10,11,12 Credit: 1
Pre: Teacher recommendation through audition; an "A" grade on music theory comprehensive exam.
An auditioned class, Cavelles is one of the select choirs at CHS. It is made up of treble voices that want the experience of singing advanced music with a smaller group. Students study year-long embedded music theory curriculum and participate in contests/performances designed for small ensembles. May be taken concurrently with A-Choir or Treble Choir. You should be enthusiastic and have excellent musical potential. Heavy focus on reading music at sight.
Varsity chamber choir) Focused Elective: AC
Grades: 10,11,12 CRLE Opportunity Credit: 1
Pre: Membership in A-Choir, and selection through audition in spring by director.
A small, very select choir of advanced singers who represent CHS by performing at luncheons, meetings, hospitals and other community activities. All styles are studied, including madrigals, pop, jazz, and 20th century chamber music. A ten-week Conducting Unit takes place in the Spring, followed by a 10-week study of the Blues and Jazz. Designed for the exceptionally talented and knowledgeable music student. Significant time commitment is required.
Course Units Studied
CAVeMEN AND CAVELLES
1st Quarter
Notes of treble/bass clefs and grand staff, note and rest values, beat and measure counting, arithmetic, sight-reading, basics of music and singing. Special focus on singing solo.
2nd Quarter
Sharps, flats and naturals, sharp and flat key signatures, major and minor scales, sight-reading, music nomenclature, basics of music and singing. Special focus on singing solo.
3rd Quarter
Major and minor intervals, singing them at sight, interval dictation, major and minor scales. Special focus on singing solo.
4th Quarter
Comprehensive review of concepts studied. Special focus on singing solo.
CAVETTES, CAVELLES AND A-CHOIR
1ST Quarter
Fall Concert: building trust in fellow musicians, developing ensemble cohesiveness and proper choral tone, posture, breathing, power and beauty. Special focus on singing solo.
2nd Quarter
Holiday Concert: building trust in fellow musicians, developing ensemble cohesiveness and proper choral tone, posture, breathing, power and beauty. Focus on performance technique and holiday literature from around the world and throughout history. Special focus on singing solo.
3rd Quarter
Spring Concert: A-Choir prepares for League Competition; all choirs' music becomes more challenging. Special focus on singing solo.
4th Quarter
End-Of-Year Concert: A-Choir prepares for State Competition; All choirs audition for next year. Cavelles focus on Broadway, prepares for auditions. Special focus on singing solo.
CAVALAIRES
1st Quarter
Chamber literature of the Renaissance and 20th Centuries.
2nd Quarter
Preparation for the holiday performance season. December calendar is usually booked by Oct. 31st.
3rd Quarter
Student Conducting Unit. Students rehearse and conduct at the Spring Concert. Students receive syllabus in January.
4th Quarter
Focus on America’s Music: Jazz and Blues. Study the origin of the Blues in America and the emergence of the blues scale. Study of vocal improvisation, 12 and 16-bar blues, ballads, Latin and swing styles.