Led by masters-educated music educators, the Apprentice Chorus (Level III) meets for two hours twice weekly and represents a chorister’s progression into more complex music sung in multiple languages. Apprentices build on the concepts of polyphony learned in Level II until choristers are able to sing in two- and three-part harmony. Pitch, rhythm, and an ability to sing easily and clearly in the head voice must already be a solid skill for an Apprentice. Ability to follow a conductor (entrances, cut offs, interpretation) and teamwork are Apprentice concentrations with ancillary development in independent singing and decision-making as related to a group. Level III allows choristers to meet the benchmarks necessary to matriculate into the Intermediate Chorus (Level IV), and ultimately the semi-professional Concert Chorus. Kodàly-based sight-singing and theory classes (Levels A-C) are designed to help Apprentices meet the developmental music needs of long-term choristers, as well as students who enter Level III with no formal training. (This entrance occurs only when it does not make sense for boys to enter Levels I or II because of age, maturity level, or prior music experience. Apprentices must be able to read English. Before promoting to the Intermediate Chorus Level IV, Apprentices must demonstrate fluency in reading basic pentatonic melodies. Attendance at SFBC’s five-day Day Camp in June is required for promotion consideration the Intermediate Chorus (Level IV). Rehearsals in San Francisco, Oakland or San Rafael.
Need-based