Beginning Chorus (Grades 6-8)

Beginning Chorus classes focus on developing students’ vocal abilities through performance-based instruction in proper vocal production, sight-singing, and music reading skills. Students sing literature in up to three parts, both with and without accompaniment, and build skills in teamwork and leadership. The curriculum emphasizes creating music by improvising rhythms and composing melodies, organizing musical ideas, and performing with technical and expressive accuracy. Participation in concerts outside class hours is required.

Intermediate Chorus (Grades 6-8)

Intermediate Chorus continues to refine students’ vocal techniques, including breath control, posture, and more advanced sight-reading abilities. Students sing literature in up to three parts and explore rhythmic and melodic improvisation, arranging songs, and composing melodies with varied tempos and dynamics. They develop skills in evaluating performances, reading musical scores, and understanding cultural and historical contexts of the music they perform. Concert participation outside class is required.

Advanced Chorus (Grades 6-8)

Advanced Chorus students focus on advanced vocal techniques, including open vowels, articulated consonants, and consistent tone quality, while performing complex melodies and rhythms. This class emphasizes improvisation, arranging music with attention to stylistic elements, and composing more intricate melodies. Students analyze and interpret musical scores, explore historical and cultural aspects of their repertoire, and evaluate performances with detailed criteria. Advanced Chorus requires concert participation and fosters a deeper connection between personal experience, culture, and music.