Vocal Ensemble

This course is an advanced course for the serious choral music student.  Those selected for this group are expected to participate in all activities.  Selection is based on vocal and music reading ability.  Consistency in school attendance and personal responsibility are also considered.  This year-long class is the choral representative for Croatan High School when requested for small group performances.  Each member is expected to develop as a solo performer, to perform with confidence in a small ensemble of two to four, and to be able to produce as a total performer, including singing, costuming and choreography.

August-Students will begin reviewing the basics of vocal production.  The basics that will be reviewed are correct breathing techniques for singing, reading a musical score, correct vocal tone, correct posture and choral blend.   Students will review their choral experience with unison to four part harmony.

September-Students will review the relationships of notes and their values.  Students will be expected to sight reading alone in stepwise movement.  Students will begin preparation for a fall informance/parent meeting.  Students who are interested in auditioning for State Honor Chorus will do so early in the month.

October-Students will be expected to sight read alone using notes that skip in the major triads.    Students will polish at least two numbers for the fall informance.

November-Students will be expected to sing their individual parts independently and with another person who is singing a different voice part.  They will be preparing for a holiday concert.  Students will perform music in the choral literature venue as well as holiday favorites.

December-Students will concentrate on choral blend and concert presentation skills.  Students will apply the skills they have learned the first several months to their selected performance numbers.  There will be several opportunities to perform in and around the community.

January-Students will update the video portion of their portfolio and critique their own progress.  A strong concentration will be in the area of rhythmic and melodic sight singing in preparation for Large Choral Festival.
 

In addition, during the entire year, students will be studying choral literature from several time periods, composers from the major time periods, participating in self evaluations that lead to self-improvement,  critiquing class and individual performances.  Students will create a portfolio of evidences of learning.