CURRICULUM MAP: 10318.map

Chorale (SCP) 856
AN OVERVIEW

TIME FRAME: Full Year
GRADE: 9-12
CONTACT:

         MAP LEVEL:

01.2 THE ARTS - MUSIC --- 01.2.1.0.1 --- 01.2.1.0.2 --- 01.2.1.0.3 --- 01.2.1.0.5 --- 01.2.1.5.1 --- 01.2.1.9.1
01.2 THE ARTS - MUSIC --- 01.2.1.5.3 --- 01.2.1.5.5 --- 01.2.1.9.3
01.2 THE ARTS - MUSIC --- 01.2.5.0.1 --- 01.2.5.0.3 --- 01.2.5.5.1 --- 01.2.5.5.2 --- 01.2.5.5.3 --- 01.2.5.5.5
01.2 THE ARTS - MUSIC --- 01.2.6.0.3 --- 01.2.6.5.1 --- 01.2.6.9.2 --- 01.2.7.0.1 --- 01.2.7.0.2 --- 01.2.7.5.2



1) What are the characteristics of a healthy singing voice and sound?
2) How does one produce a healthy vocal sound while singing in a choir?
3) What are the basics of musical notation?
4) What are the different genres of choral music?
5) How is blend and balance achieved within the choral ensemble?
6) How is communication established between performer and conductor in both a performance and a rehearsal setting?
7) What comprises good singing posture?
8) What constitutes good performance behavior and practice?




Chorale is a select mixed chorus for the upperclassmen who have displayed a talent for and an interest in choral music. A large variety of choral music will be introduced. A student selected for membership in the Chorale will be expected to have a working knowledge of music techniques. The student's attendance and participation at the music concerts during the school year is required. Mixed chorus and an audition are a prerequisite to this ensemble.

Concepts introcuced in mixed chorus are expanded upon in Chorale. This class meets every other day with all students enrolled for the full year. Chorale is scheduled to work in conjunction with symphonic band to allow those students that have an interest in both band and chorus to fit both into their schedule.

Chorale is for those singers with an intermediate to high level of musicianship. Students are expected to have a working knowledge of the musical concepts introduced in mixed chorus. The students will be exposed to many musical genres at a musical difficulty level of 4 or 5. The students will sing songs written in SATB, SSATB, SSAATTBB formats and any variation there of. Genres will include but are not limited to: a cappella music of all kinds, folk songs, choral "classics", spirituals, multicultural music, show tunes, and pop music (for Pops Concert). Different performance techniques will also be incorporated into the everyday rehearsals as well as the concerts. Such techniques include mixed seating and rehearsals in the round. Focus will be placed upon what constitues a healthy vocal technique, breath control and breath support. Sigh singing will also be incorporated into the daily rehearsals.

Currently, the concert structure in the WA Music Department is as follows:
Winter Concert- December- combined band and chorus
Mid-Year Concert- March- Chorus and band have seperate concerts
Pops Concert/End of the Year-Combined band and chorus



Students in Chorale will develop the ability to:
-Sing with a round, supported, healthy tone
-Sing in a group, blending vocal timbres, matching dynamic levels and responding to the cues of the conductor
-Explain and demonstrate the process of breath control and breath support
-Have a working knowledge of basic music terminology such as dynamics, articulation markings, expression markings and pitch identification
-Perform music written in simple and compound meter
-Perform music written for SATB and SSAATTBB or any combination there of in a tradtional choral set-up as well as different mixed seating arrangements.
-Perform a cappella and accompanied music of variing levels of difficulty and from many different genres.





In Chorale, the student will:
*Sing a variety of choral music from many genres, consisting of but not limited to:
A cappella music, music in foreign languages, folk songs, spirituals, showtunes, popular music, multicultural music
*Sing music written for SATB, SSATB, SSAATTBB or any variation there of at a level of grade 4 or higher
*Perform in a minimum of three concerts a year
*Learn the key signatures for all major and minor keys via the circle of fifths
*Continue to build upon knowledge of time signtures in simple and compound meter. Students will demonstrate the ability to count using these meters with a focus to include syncopated rhythms.
*Continue to build upon knowledge of basic music terminology and incorparate said terminology into everyday class discussions and performances.
*Be exposed to different seating arrangements to help strengthen the aural skills. Students will sit in sections as well as mixed seating. Concerts may be performed in the mixed seating arrangement.
*Incorporate sight singing into the daily rehearsals



Students in Chorale will be assessed via the following means:
*Multiple choice and fill in the blank quizes on musical terminology
*Class Participation-posture, singing, marking music, questions asked or answered
*Class Preparation-folder with music and a pencil
*Concert attendance to the three concerts performed through the school year
*Written final examination given at the end of the second semester




*If the budget and time permit, guest conductors have been brought in to give the students of Chorale a musical coaching on pieces they are working on in the daily classes. It is a wonderful experience for the students to be exposed to other conductors and their rehearsal techniques.

*The WAMD tries to take a music department trip anually to a music festival where the students can be adjudicated. This helps to give the students constructive criticism as well as reenforces the daily rehearsal concepts covered in chorale. WAMD has traveled to such places as Toronto, Virginia Beach, New York City, Washington, D.C. and performed in the Magical Music Days at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

*Sophomores-seniors that are a member of the WAMD Choral program are eligible to audition for the extra curricular choral ensemble, the Hill Singers. One year of mixed chorus must be completed before students may audition. Special consideration may be given to transfer students.

*Any student that is a member of the WAMD Choral program is eligible to audition for the CMEA Eastern Region Music Festival and the NEMFA Music Festival. Choral department members may also be considered for nomination to the Quinebaug Valley Music Festival honor's Chorus.




Music will be selected from the Woodstock Academy Choral Library with supplimental pieces being purchased from vendors such as J.W. Pepper. Currently, the WAMD choral library has over 800 titles.