6th grade Chorus: Many voices, One Sound!
6th grade chorus focuses on the foundations of choral singing. These singers are learning proper posture, breathing, reading/decoding both vertically and horizontally, processing the information to produce the correct pitch - duration - tone - diction - all simultaneously through daily sight-singing. Unison, two-part and three part mixed repertoire is studied, memorized and performed at various concert venues in ou school as well as community.
The keyboard is also used in music literacy studies. Singers will be able to play their part on the keyboards. Students are eligible to audition for ALL CITY and ALL VIRGINIA chorus. Most importantly, students learn that it is okay to make a mistake, learn from it and use it as a stepping stone to achieve greatness. We do not give up on ourselves or on each other.
7th grade Chorus: Sing with Joy!
Our 7th grade choir is composed mostly of returning choristers from 6th grade choir with some terrific new voices mixed in also. As students mature, so do their voices. It is so exciting to hear how each voice has changed over the summer. This choir begins the year with a review and study of choral foundation to prepare for a deeper examination of vocal technique, music theory, history and composition. The keyboards are used for application of music literacy studies.
These students audition for All-District Choir in November, All Virginia Choir in December and All-City Choir in January. All repertoire studied and performed is SAB, SSA , SSAA or TB. While this is challenging for our new members, they are well supported by our strong, returning team members.
8th grade Concert Choir: Bound for Greater Things!
Our 8th grade choir is composed of primarily returning choir members, many who have been in a chorus for 3+ years. These students are continuing their study and performances in 3 part mixed, SATB, SSAA, TTB literature. They are also continuing their exploration in music theory, history and composition through the use of formal instruction, software applications and keyboard proficiency. In addition to auditioning for All District Chorus and All Virginia Chorus, many of our students will be auditioning for the Governor's School, the Visual & Performing Arts Academy, or the elite group at their zoned high school in the Spring. Each day, we look to their future and carefully select activities and repertoire that will launch these students in the direction of their personal goals.