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Curricular Ensembles

Concert Choir I

A mixed voice, non-auditioned choir open to freshmen through seniors.  A variety of styles of music by
many different composers and arrangers are presented for enjoyment and study.  An emphasis is placed
on learning how to read music and perform music.  This course is designed to provide all students with not
only the technical and aesthetic qualities of being a member of choir, but also a sense of responsibility
and self-discipline.  Students must attend all dress rehearsals and concerts.  Sectionals are provided on a
rotating basis. 
 

Concert Choir II

A mixed voice, auditioned choir open to sophomores through seniors who have demonstrated their singing
and sight-reading fundamentals by audition.  A variety of styles of music by many different composers and
arrangers are presented for enjoyment and study.  The repertoire selected for this course is for more
advanced choir students.  Students must attend all dress rehearsals and concerts. Sectionals are provided
on a rotating basis.   
 

Chamber Singers

A mixed voice, auditioned choir open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have demonstrated
outstanding singing technique and sight-reading abilities by audition.  A variety of styles of music by many
different composers and arrangers are presented for enjoyment and study.   The music selected in this
course is for advanced choir students capable of singing in a small ensemble setting.  Students must
attend all dress rehearsals and concerts.  Sectionals are provided on a rotating basis. 

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Extra-curricular Ensembles

AcaFellaz

A year-long male ensemble singing a variety of styles.  Males must be members of a curricular choral
ensemble to participate in this group.  AcaFellaz will have several community performances throughout the
school year.  Additionally, these young men will as serve as recruiters and role models for younger males
in the school district.  Auditions will be held on Tuesday, August 25, and Wednesday, August 26.
Rehearsals will be every Monday after school from 2:10-3:30 p.m. 
 

Bel Canto

A year-long women’s ensemble singing a variety of styles.  Women must be members of a curricular
choral ensemble to participate in this group.  Bel Canto will have several community performances
throughout the school year.  Additionally, these young women will as serve as recruiters and role models
for younger females in the school district.  Auditions will be held on Tuesday, August 25, and Wednesday,
August 26.  Rehearsals will be every Tuesday after school from 2:10-3:30 p.m.
 

Bravo

A mixed-voice vocal jazz ensemble made up of twelve voices meeting second semester only.  Students
must be members of a curricular choral ensemble to participate in this group.  Bravo will have several
community performances throughout the school year.  Auditions will be held in January. 

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Academic Requirements

Grading Scale (All Classes):
A=100-90        B=89-80          C=79-70          D=69-60          F=59-1                        I=0
 

Grading System:


Concert Choir I, Concert Choir II
40%     Class Participation
    - Daily participation grade based on involvement in the ensemble, on-task learning, and behavior
         
30%     Assignments/Projects
    - Worksheets, notes, written papers, notation, and sectional assignments

15%     Singing Tests

10%     Concert Attendance

5%       Score Management and Materials
    - music, folder, pencil, score markings
 

Chamber Singers
40%     Class Participation
    - Daily participation grade based on involvement in the ensemble, on-task learning, and behavior

30%     Assignments/Projects
    - Worksheets, notes, written papers, notation, sectionals

15%     Quartet Testing
    - Note accuracy and memorization

10%     Concert Attendance

5%       Score Management and Materials
    - music, folder, pencil, score markings

Music Performance Seminar: Concert Choir II, Chamber Singers

1. First Quarter: All-District Audition
    a. Sing for teacher
    b. Audition on October 12, 2009
    c. The judge's score from the audition will determine your grade.
    d. If you are selected to be in the All-District ensemble, you must participate in the event.

2. Second Quarter: Arrangement
    a. You will select a piece and secure approval from the teacher to arrange for (a minimum of) 2-part
        choir with piano accompaniment or 4-part (or more) for an a cappella ensemble.
    b. The arrangement must be 32 measures of 4/4 time, 48 measures of 3/4, or 65 measure of 2/4 or 6/8
        time.
    c. The score is to be hand written with correct notation.

3. Third Quarter: Solo & Ensemble
    a. Student must take an approved solo to the festival.
    b. The judge's score will determine the grade.

4. Fourth Quarter:
    a. The composition must be 32 measures of 4/4 time, 48 measures of 3/4, or 64 measures of 2/4 or 6/8
        time.
    b. The score is to be hand written with correct notation.
    c. the following criteria will be graded:
        1. dynamics
        2. breath marks
        3. articulations
        4. musical phrases
        5. no voice doublings (unless for effect)
        6. melodic shape
        7. singability
        8. vocal ranges

Grading
30%    MPS projects
    All-District Audition (100 points)
    Arrangement (300 points)
    Solo and Ensemble (100 points)
    Composition (400 points)

20%   Assignments/Projects/Sectionals

20%   Class Participation

15%   Quartet Testing   

10%   Concert Attendance

5%     Score Management and Materials

Honors Senior Seminar: Concert Choir II, Chamber Singers

Senior Seminar will be taught by multiple teachers to expand the musical knowledge of enrolled students. 
Students will attend one sectional every two weeks to discuss the unique needs of band, choral, and
orchestral ensembles.  Sectionals will be essential to the completion of the following assignments.

1. First Quarter: All-District Audition
    a. Sing for teacher
    b. Audition on October 12, 2009
    c. The judge's score from the audition will determine your grade.
    d. If you are selected to be in the All-District ensemble, you must participate.

2. Second Quarter: Arrangement
    a. A piece will be selected from the teacher-approved repertoire to arrange for full orchestra and choir.
    b. The arrangement must be 32 measures of 4/4 time, 48 measures of 3/4, or 64 measures of 2/4 or
        6/8 time.
    c. The score is to be hand written with correct notation.
    d. The score should be a transposed score.
    e. This assignment will be graded by all teachers of Senior Seminar.

3. Third Quarter: Solo & Ensemble
    a. Student must take an approved solo to the festival.
    b. The judge's score will determine the grade.

4. Fourth Quarter: Composition
    a. The composition must be 32 measures of 4/4 time, 48 measures of 3/4, or 64 measures or 2/4 or 6/8
        time.
    b. The score is to be hand written with correct notation.
    c. This assignment will be graded by all teachers of Senior Seminar.
    d. The following criteria will be graded:
        1. dynamics
        2. bowings
        3. breath marks
        4. articulations
        5. musical phrases
        6. no more than two instrument doublings
        7. melodic shape
        8. playability
        9. instrument and vocal ranges

Grading
50%     Senior Seminar projects
    Sectional (25 points)
    In class work (25 points)
    All-District Audition (100 points)
    Arrangement (300 points)
    Solo and Ensemble (100 points)
    Composition (400 points)

20%     Class Participation

15%     Assignments/Projects

5%       Concert Attendance

5%       Quartet Testing

5%       Score Management and Materials

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Extra-curricular Events and Opportunities

Illinois Music Educators Association

All-District Festival

The IMEA sponsors district-wide festivals throughout the state of Illinois in the Fall semester.  This festival
is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience singing in a large ensemble under the direction of a
collegiate or professional conductor. 

Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors must audition to participate in All-District.  Students choosing
to audition must prepare five choral pieces and be confident in their sight-singing abilities.  Auditions will
be in Highland, IL, on Monday, October 12, 2009.  If students are selected for All-District Choir, they must
attend the festival on Saturday, November 7, 2009, at SIUE.  If students are selected for the All-District
Jazz Choir, they must attend the festival on Saturday, November 14, 2009, at McKendree University.

All-State Festival

The highest-scoring juniors and seniors may be selected to participate in the All-State Festival on January
28-30, 2010, in Peoria, IL.  These students will be notified in early December if they are selected for All
State participation.       

IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest

Any student enrolled in any curricular choral ensemble will have the opportunity to participate in Solo &
Ensemble contest on Saturday, March 6, 2010.  Students must let Mrs. Ritter or Mrs. Marshall know if he
or she wishes to participate by Friday, January 15, 2010.  Students must spend a significant amount of
time at home preparing and memorizing their repertoire.

Madrigal Dinner

The 10^th Annual Madrigal Dinners will be held on Friday, December 4, and Saturday, December 5, 2009,
at Liberty Middle School.  Any student at the high school may audition for this event.  Students choosing to
audition do not have to be enrolled in a curricular choral ensemble to participate.  An informational meeting
will be held on Monday, September 21, 2009, at 2:15 p.m. in B170.  Auditions will be on Thursday,
September 24, 2009, from 2:15-4:00 p.m. in B170.

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Choral Lettering Program

As of the 2007-2008 school year, students participating in curricular choral ensembles may have the
opportunity to letter in chorus.
 

Lettering Calculator

Solo and Ensemble points per ensemble   50
All-District Audition   25
All-District Participation   25
All-State Participation   75
Special Events (approved by instructor)   30
Outside ensembles or private lessons   15
Choir Participation (per year)  100 

800 points to letter
1000 points to earn a pin