Chorus

Ensembles

There are three main chorus classes, and some breakout classes. You MUST enroll in a main class first, then the breakout class.

 

Main Chorus Ensembles

• 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.)

• 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.)

• 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.

 

Breakout Classes​​

• Men's Chorus is the breakout choir for the guys in Sound Harmony. The minimum age for Men's Chorus is 12 yrs old.​

• 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.​

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Class Size

Chorus classes can hold unlimited students. Sometimes classes are grouped together to make larger ensembles for performances.

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Prerequisites

No previous musical experience is required for chorus, except for Concert Choir, which requires an audition.

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Required Materials:

Student provides and brings to class each week:

• Black 3-ring binder

• Pencil

• Rising Notes only: Get America Singing, the BLUE book​​

For homework and practice:​

• Sound Harmony and Concert Choir only: Sightreading Factory account

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Performance Opportunities

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 $20). 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.

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Homework

Daily practice is required. Students should be expected to spend 15-30 minutes every day (depending on level) on practicing.