Class Description

(open to sophs, juniors and seniors by audition only) Try-outs are held in May for the following year--watch for the announcement regarding auditions. Concert Choir students develop singing technique through a variety of choral literature and performance situations. Participation in 4 major concerts per year, as well as state music contests and area music festivals is expected.

Class Expectations

Daily Work:

Each student is expected to attend a daily choir rehearsal promptly. Each student should work the entire period and show good posture when they are singing. The student is expected to watch the director at all times while performing a song. No talking should be taking place during a rehearsal. A good choir member has a pencil and will write in the breath marks and other clues given by the director. Every student is expected to be at all the major concerts and functions the choir is scheduled to perform at.

Major Performances:

There will be a fall concert, a Christmas concert, a Pops concert, and a spring concert. In addition, there may be a Dordt Choir Festival in the spring. The choir may or may not be included in the May graduation exercises. The choir will compete in the large group contest in early May. A festival competition and trip will take place every other year in the spring. Every member is expected to be in attendance at these concerts.

Grading Factors:

Each student will have their voice assessed. They will be put on a 1-5 scale with 5 being a perfect voice assessment. Tone, sight-reading skills, and singing a song in tune (acapella) will be the areas of assessment. Many things can be done to help add to or subtract from the grading assessment for the nine weeks period.

Positive Factors:

1. attending other concerts
2. trying out for All-State
3. making All-State
4. singing a solo or small ensemble in chapel or a church service.
5. playing or singing in a praise band
6. becoming a Knight Sound or Chamber Choir member
7. getting a part in the musical
8. singing a solo or being in a small group for contest
9. helping out and volunteering for the extra jobs in choir (attendance, robe fittings, riser set-ups, music filings, etc.)
10. taking voice lessons in school or privately

Negative Factors:

1. a poor attitude daily in choir
2. having poor facial expressions while singing
3. chewing gum during a rehearsal or the concert
4. poor posture during choir
5. being unresponsive to the music
6. not watching the director during rehearsal or a concert
7. disrupting the daily choir rehearsal

Final Grade:

All the students start with an A in choir and the voice assessment can bring the grade down, however all the positive additions the student brings to choir can enhance the grade. The negative responses in choir, however, will continue to bring the grade down until a change is experienced. The students must inform the director of any and all extra outside concerts and solo work done outside the school setting.

Further Information:

I prefer to be contacted at school and during school hours, but if you need to contact me, my home phone number is 756-5517.

Class Outline