Choral Ensembles at IHS

Choral Ensembles at IHS

 Choristers non-audition choir

Choristers is an entry level (non-audition) choir that meets every day plus rotating sectional lessons.  The voicing is mixed:  soprano, alto, tenor & bass.  We perform literature from a variety of time periods and genres as well as study vocal technique, music literacy and music history.  In addition to the daily rehearsals, singers come to a small-group lesson once every six-day cycle for differentiated instruction in a smaller setting and have required evening performances each marking period.

  • No audition necessary
  • Meets every day
  • Rotating sectional lessons
  • Evening concerts each quarter
  • Semi-formal black & white concert attire, with some choice as to which black & white outfit to choose

 

Chorale – auditioned choir

Chorale is an advanced/auditioned choir that meets every day plus rotating sectional lessons.  Like Choristers, the voicing is mixed:  soprano, alto, tenor & bass.  We perform advanced literature from a variety of time periods and genres as well as study vocal technique, music literacy and music history.  Chorale members perform at the highest possible level for high school singers; outside practice is required.

  • Auditions take place in Feb/March for entry into the group for the following fall
  • Meets every day
  • Rotating sectional lessons
  • Evening concerts each quarter, extra required and optional performances each year
  • Very formal concert dress:  uniform dresses and tuxedos

 

Jazz Choir – auditioned choir

Jazz Choir focuses its attention on Jazz music, history, style, vocal improvisation, and the theory that makes jazz unique. Independent practice outside of rehearsals is expected of all members.  The group performs approximately 6-8 times per year and the voicing is mixed:  soprano, alto, tenor, bass.

  • Auditions take place in Feb/March for entry into the group for the following fall
  • Meets every other day
  • There are no sectional lessons
  • Evening concerts and other performances required, i.e. Arts Festival
  • Semi-formal uniform concert dress

 

Other opportunities available

If you are a member of any of the above ensembles, you have these other opportunities:

  • Solo festivals – two each year at the high school level
  • Travel with our music department – we’ve been to NYC, Chicago, Baltimore, Montreal, Toronto…if the situation allows, our next trip will be Spring, 2023
  • All-County Choir (by audition)
  • Area All-State Choir (by audition)
  • All-State Choir (by audition)
  • Sweet Sixteen or Dapper Singers Society  - our a cappella groups (by audition)

FAQs:

What if I am also in band or orchestra?  You can do both – lots of our members fit both into our schedule.

What are Sectionals? Sectionals are small-group lessons that happen once per 6-day cycle on a rotating basis.  They are the same type of lessons that instrumentalists in our band and orchestra programs have from grades 4-12; vocalists get these lessons only at the high school level.  Once every six days you will have a lesson scheduled during one of your other class periods.  You check in with your teacher of that period (if it is a class) and then attend your sectional.  You will not miss any single class more than once per 5 rotations.  Music teachers provide lots of make-up opportunities for when you cannot attend your lesson, and you are allowed one miss, a “freebie,” each marking period.

Can I come every other day?  Choristers is an every-day class at the high school, unlike at Dake. We only allow students to come every other day in extreme situations and by individual permission. We have found that students that end up in this situation often fall behind and do not feel as secure in their music.

I would like to take chorus but am having trouble fitting it into my schedule. Are study halls required at the high school?  No, study halls are not a requirement at the high school. The decision to have a study hall in your schedule is your decision to make. We have plenty of students who take chorus and art, for example, if they feel they do not need a study hall. You should decide as a family what types of classes you need, including whether or not you need a study hall.

What happens if I request chorus at the high school but it doesn’t show up on my schedule?  Please contact your counselor in this case and request a schedule change to add Choristers. There is no prerequisite; entry is by request. Advocate for yourself so you have the best chance of taking the classes that you want to take.

Can I get into Chorale as a freshman?  If you are interested in Chorale, please let us know and we will keep you in mind. The current high school students audition first, then we look at the balance within the ensemble and see what openings, if any, are available. At that point, if there are openings, we will open up auditions to 8th graders for their freshman year. Typically the openings are all filled by current high school students.

Feel free to contact either of us if we can help you through this process in any way. If you would like to stop by, the music office at the high school is located just outside the band room. You can also check out Mrs. Graham’s website to see more information about the high school choral program.

Good luck as you finish your time at Dake and we are looking forward to welcoming you to the high school!Directors:  Kristin Graham and Marc Falco

[email protected]

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