Choir

6th Grade Choir (6)                                                                                                                                
Class meets every other day for one semester (rotating with Drama) if not in Band 6th Grade choir covers the following topics and skills:  Basic music theory of symbols and definitions of terms, basic music notation, folk songs, patriotic songs, ethnic songs, spirituals, novelty songs, basic singing techniques using partner songs, and 2-part harmony and some choreography. Students attend and critique one concert per semester.  Concerts are in October, December, March, and May.

Middle School Choir (7-8)                                                                                                                              
Junior High Choir covers the following topics and skills:  Basic music theory including musical symbols and terms, key signatures, time signatures, basic sight reading of simple 3-part harmony, introductory history and development of jazz & spirituals. Students attend and critique one concert per quarter and perform in concerts in October, December, March, and May and also other performances during the year. Participation in Solo and Ensemble Festival (one Saturday in March) and Large Group Festival in April or May is also required.

High School Choir (9-12)                                                                                                                               
High School Choir covers the following topics and skills:  Intermediate and advanced music theory including definitions and uses of terms and symbols and music markings, key signatures, time signatures, chords, piano keyboard, sight reading of four-part harmony, learning and performing different genres of music including Baroque, Romantic, Classical, Contemporary, Sacred, Show, Folk, both a cappella and accompanied.  Students attend and critique one concert per quarter and perform in concerts in October, December, March, and May, Graduation, and also other performances during the year. Participation in Solo and Ensemble Festival (one Saturday in March) and Large Group Festival in April or May is also required. Optional activities include singing the “Star Spangled Banner” at home volleyball & basketball games, auditioning for All-State Honor Choirs and All-Northwest Honor Choirs on alternate years and attending the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow in February. 

Jazz Ensemble (9-12)                                                                                                                                         
Jazz Ensemble covers the following topics and skills:  Advanced singing techniques and skills involved in singing different styles of jazz, including scatting, improvisation.  Participation in a jazz festival/clinic is part of the curriculum. Students are encouraged to enter the State Solo Competition during the District 1 Solo and Ensemble Festival in the spring. Must critique at least concert per quarter and complete four jazz CD critiques per quarter. Concerts are in October, December, January, March, May, and June with additional performances in the community during the year. Final exams are singing a jazz solo in jazz concerts in January and June.

Sheila Wayman
swayman @cdacharter.org