Classical

Singers are encouraged to develop their best vocal tone in a supportive, fun, and positive learning environment. Choristers develop pitch matching, experience singing harmony, learn vocal warm-ups, and respond to a conductor. Singers perform age-appropriate choral repertoire selected from a variety of genres, with an emphasis on Western Classical and multi-cultural music. Class culminates in a casual recital at the end of the semester.

For the youngest singers, this chorus introduces group singing using songs from around the world and throughout time—from chants and canons to folk songs and spirituals. Students learn age-appropriate vocal technique in a fun atmosphere, with an emphasis on body movement, hand gestures, some sign language, and drama. Classes culminate in a casual recital during the last class of each session.

Les étoiles is an advanced level chorus for teenage girls. Singers should have prior musical training and be motivated toward learning challenging repertoire. Beyond the musical benefits of membership in les étoiles, these young women learn the art of becoming a professional performer, through touring and performing.

Celestials Voices is the advanced level chorus for girls, ages 10 to 12. Singers should have prior musical training and be ready for a higher challenge. Instruction includes vocal technique, advanced ear training, and music theory. The singers perform music, both a cappella and accompanied, in three-part harmony.

Comets is the chorus for boys, ages 9 and up. The Comets are currently rehearsing with Starlights, however, as the program gains more singers, the Comets will break away from Starlights, holding their own rehearsals and singing their own repertoire.

Starlights is the entry level chorus for girls, ages 9 through middle school.

Children that participate as Caroling Kids in the fall become Twinkling Stars in the spring. Emphasis is placed on learning traditional songs, including American and multi-cultural folk songs and popular classics, and some new compositions as well. Several performances occur at the end of the semester and usually include singing at the malls and retirement homes.

The SJYS Percussion Ensemble offers an opportunity for percussionists to perform percussion ensemble music from the 20th and 21st centuries, and performs regularly each season. Members are encouraged to play many different percussion instruments including timpani, snare drum, bass drum, accessory instruments, xylophone, marimba, and ethnic percussion. Students are taught valuable chamber music skills and instructed on performing techniques, proper set-up of multiple percussion parts, playing advanced rhythms and taking care of instruments.