Vocal

The Intermediate Chorus (Level IV) is one step away from the semi-professional touring Concert Chorus and represents a chorister’s ability to sing consistently, clearly, and flexibly across his vocal range (soprano, soprano-2, alto). Choristers study and perform highly complex three-part literature with consonant and dissonant harmonies, reflecting their ability to hold a vocal part in 3-part harmony using a strong, focused sound and ability to read extended pentatonic melodies and passages.

The Intermediate Chorus (Level IV) is one step away from the semi-professional touring Concert Chorus and represents a chorister’s ability to sing consistently, clearly, and flexibly across his vocal range (soprano, soprano-2, alto). Choristers study and perform highly complex three-part literature with consonant and dissonant harmonies, reflecting their ability to hold a vocal part in 3-part harmony using a strong, focused sound and ability to read extended pentatonic melodies and passages.

The Intermediate Chorus (Level IV) is one step away from the semi-professional touring Concert Chorus and represents a chorister’s ability to sing consistently, clearly, and flexibly across his vocal range (soprano, soprano-2, alto). Choristers study and perform highly complex three-part literature with consonant and dissonant harmonies, reflecting their ability to hold a vocal part in 3-part harmony using a strong, focused sound and ability to read extended pentatonic melodies and passages.

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.

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.

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.

Jr. Apprentices (Level II choristers) meet twice weekly in an expanded early-childhood training setting that fosters focus on a leader, further development of the head voice, rhythm through kinesthetic learning, and early sight-singing and music theory concepts using the Kodály method. Taught by masters-educated instructors, choristers ranging from grades 1-2 begin learning polyphony through rounds and canons, early training devices used to train the ear to independently hold pitch and eventually be able to harmonize with fellow choristers – a hallmark of any chorus. Jr.

Jr. Apprentices (Level II choristers) meet twice weekly in an expanded early-childhood training setting that fosters focus on a leader, further development of the head voice, rhythm through kinesthetic learning, and early sight-singing and music theory concepts using the Kodály method. Taught by masters-educated instructors, choristers ranging from grades 1-2 begin learning polyphony through rounds and canons, early training devices used to train the ear to independently hold pitch and eventually be able to harmonize with fellow choristers – a hallmark of any chorus. Jr.

Jr. Apprentices (Level II choristers) meet twice weekly in an expanded early-childhood training setting that fosters focus on a leader, further development of the head voice, rhythm through kinesthetic learning, and early sight-singing and music theory concepts using the Kodály method. Taught by masters-educated instructors, choristers ranging from grades 1-2 begin learning polyphony through rounds and canons, early training devices used to train the ear to independently hold pitch and eventually be able to harmonize with fellow choristers – a hallmark of any chorus. Jr.

Prep Chorus (Level I) students meet for one hour, once per week to enjoy an early-childhood program designed to encourage enthusiasm and appreciation for music in SFBC’s youngest choristers ranging from grades K-1. Preps learn vocal placement in the head voice, as well as basic repertoire through age-appropriate games. They also learn the balance between fun and focus, with a curriculum designed for short attention spans. Rehearsals in either San Francisco or Oakland.