Level I provides the foundation for progress and development in the Chorus School. Attention span and quiet concentration are a point of focus, as well as practice and development in vocal technique and theory. Working goals are aimed toward both areas: the need to learn important musical basics and the need to learn to work together as a group.
Students are introduced to unison choral music and beginning vocal technique. Repertoire selection encompasses a wide variety of genres, including classical, folk, sacred, secular, and multicultural. Singers will take first steps in reading from a choral octavo, increasing their ability to read both words and music. Students build listening and memory skills through weekly practice, and develop confidence and stage presence in preparation for their final performance.
The Concert Chorus is the most select group, regularly performing at civic events and San Francisco Opera productions, as well as producing CDs. The Chorus recently performed at the Swearing In Ceremony of the Inauguration of Barack Obama, 44th President of the United Stats of America, at the United States Capitol, Washington, DC.
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.