Chorus
Levels and Classes
There are several chorus classes, each with its own age requirement. If your birthday falls in the middle of the semester, talk to the teacher about which chorus class you should sign up for.
Ages
Chorus students need to be a minimum of 7 yrs old by the time the semester starts in order to enroll in Rising Notes. Otherwise, when choosing between any other adjacent age chorus classes, if a student's birthday falls in the middle of the semester, talk to the director to choose the best class for that student.
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Other considerations for enrollment in any class could be maturity and the changing voice. Always talk to the chorus teacher if you are not sure which chorus class would be best.
Class Size
Chorus classes can hold unlimited students. Sometimes classes are grouped together to make larger ensembles for performances.
Prerequisites
No previous musical experience is required for enrollment in any of the chorus classes.
Ensembles
There are THREE main chorus classes, and some breakout classes. You MUST enroll in a main class first, then the breakout class. Here are the THREE MAIN CHORUSES:
Rising Notes is a treble unison choir for students 7-9 yrs old. All students in this choir must also attend a "Chorus Musicianship" breakout class, either before or after the Rising Notes class. Sign up for a Musicianship quiz to determine placement. (Musicianship quizzes will take place on the same dates as the band/strings testups/auditions and other theory placement tests.)
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Cantata is an entry level mixed part choir for students 10-12 yrs old. All students in this choir must also attend a "Chorus Musicianship" breakout class, either before or after the Cantata class. Sign up for a Musicianship quiz to determine placement. (Musicianship quizzes will take place on the same dates as the band/strings testups/auditions and other theory placement tests.)
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Sound Harmony is a higher level mixed part choir for students 13-18 yrs old. Musicianship is included in this class, and no separate breakout session is necessary.
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Men's Chorus is the breakout choir for the guys in Sound Harmony. The minimum age for Men's Chorus is 12 yrs old.
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Concert Choir is an advanced mixed part ensemble for students 14-18 yrs old, by audition only. All students in Concert Choir will also attend Sound Harmony as part of Concert Choir.
Homework
Daily practice is required. Students should be expected to spend 15-30 minutes every day (depending on level) on practicing, which includes singing with online recordings, SmartMusic, or both.
Performances
All students in chorus classes are required to participate in the final semester concert. Each participating family will contribute to the cost of renting an auditorium (usually around $10-12). The combined dress rehearsals immediately before the concert are also required attendance.
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Other possible performances include singing at nursing homes, participating in World Singing Day (October), Christmas Caroling, or singing the National Anthem at the Nats game, visiting UMW for collaborative events, Jazz for Justice, or other community events. These other events vary from year to year, and are not a regular part of the semester calendar.
Required Books and Materials
All chorus students will have a choral music fee (about $15) added to their accounts for the use of the octavos which will be handed out for each student to use during the semester. At the end of the semester, if all music is returned in good condition, this choral music fee will be refunded. However, students may choose to keep the octavo music that was performed during the semester, in which case, the fee will not be refunded.
Rising Notes: Students need a black 3-ring binder and a pencil. A SmartMusic subscription is NOT REQUIRED for this level. Other required books include Get America Singing, the yellow book.
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Cantata: Students need a black 3-ring binder and a pencil. A SmartMusic subscription is required. Other required books include Get America Singing, the yellow book.
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Sound Harmony: Students need a black 3-ring binder and a pencil. A SmartMusic subscription is required. Other required books TBA.
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