Chorus
Levels and Classes
There are several chorus classes, each with its own age requirement. There is some overlap of age requirements in some ensembles to allow for more choices for teens with busy schedules! Read below for a description of each class.
Ages
Chorus students need to be a minimum of 8 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.
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 8-11 yrs old.
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Cantata is an entry level mixed part choir for students 12-18 yrs old. Students in this choir will also attend either the breakout Men's Choir (guys) or Treble Choir (girls) as part of their Cantata class.
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Sound Harmony is a higher level mixed part choir for students 13-18 yrs old. Students in Sound Harmony have the option to attend Treble Choir or Men's Chorus at no extra charge.
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The breakout sessions of chorus are these:
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Treble Choir is a breakout choir for the girls in Cantata. If you are a girl in Sound Harmony on Wednesday, you are welcome to come to the Treble Choir on Thursday for no extra charge.
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Men's Chorus is the breakout choir for the guys in Cantata. However, this chorus is for all guys! If you are a guy in Sound Harmony on Wednesday, please come to Men's Chorus on Thursday for extra singing practice with the other guys for no extra charge.
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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.
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, or other community events.
Required Books and Materials
All chorus students will have a choral music fee (between $10-15) 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: Get America Singing, BLUE book (to be handed out at the first class, the book fee will be added to your account). Students also need a black 3-ring binder and a pencil. A SmartMusic subscription is NOT REQUIRED for this level.
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Cantata: Sing At First Sight, Book 1 (to be handed out at the first class, the book fee will be added to your account). Students also need a black 3-ring binder and a pencil. A SmartMusic subscription is required.
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Sound Harmony: Sing At First Sight, Book 1 (to be handed out at the first class, the book fee will be added to your account). Students also need a black 3-ring binder and a pencil. A SmartMusic subscription is required.
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