About

Madrigals is an advanced chamber ensemble of up to 24 singers in grades 10-12. Students are selected by audition and must demonstrate musical literacy and independence in learning harmony and polyphony. Madrigals specializes in music for small ensembles including vocal jazz, Renaissance madrigals and motets, musical theatre, pop acapella, and traditional choral music by living composers. Madrigals performs at all OW Concerts, in KSHSAA large and small ensemble festivals, around the district at various events, and in the KC Metropolitan community.

Bel Canto is an advanced auditioned treble choir singers from grades 10-12. Students are selected by audition and must demonstrate musical literacy and independence in learning harmony and polyphony. Bel Canto specializes in advanced repertoire for treble voices including vocal jazz, musical theatre, and traditional choral music from around the world. Bel Canto regularly performs at OW concerts, KSHSAA large and small and small ensemble festival as well as other events in Kansas City. 

Chorale is a large, auditioned SATB choir for students in grades 9-12. Students are selected by audition or teacher recommendation and must demonstrate music literacy using count-syllables and solfege syllables and be able to sing in four to eight part harmony. Chorale specializes in music for large ensembles from all eras of music history including Baroque through modern choral classics often combined with instruments, gospel, spirituals, folk music from around the world, and choral repertoire by living composers. Chorale performs at all OW Concerts, at KSHSAA large ensemble festival, around the district at various events, and in the KC Metropolitan community.

Chorale is a large, non-auditioned choir for all students at OW, regardless of choral experience. Freshmen at OW enroll in this course to learn skills necessary to succeed in more advanced choirs like music literacy through count syllables and solfege syllables, rehearsal techniques, vocal technique, and how to sing independent harmony parts. Concert Choir is often divided into treble and tenor/bass ensembles to help students navigate the changing adolescent voice.