Scheduling for 2015-16
As the online scheduling window for high school and middle school opens to families of North Hills students, please refer to the following information in deciding which course(s) you may wish to take in choral music.
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High School Choirs
NOTE: After school rehearsals and evening performances are a requirement of high school choir classes, and are part of the student's grade. Students may elect choir for one semester or for a full year as schedules permit.
WOMEN’S CHOIR
6415 - FULL YEAR (1.0 credit)
6420 - SEMESTER ONLY (0.5 credit)
The Women’s Choir is open to any girl in grades 9 through 12 who would like to be in a singing ensemble. Auditions are not required. The Women’s Choir performs on all high school concerts along with the Symphonic Choir and also collaborates with them on special performances of larger works with the bands or orchestra. Girls already in Symphonic Choir may also elect to take this course if schedules permit. Women’s Choir members may participate in the Madrigal Choir (see below). Students may enroll for one semester or full year. ALL INCOMING FRESHMEN (8th GRADERS) & CURRENT FRESHMEN WOMEN’S CHOIR MEMBERS SHOULD SELECT THIS COURSE.
SYMPHONIC CHOIR
6405 - FULL YEAR (1.0 credit)
6410 - SEMESTER ONLY (0.5 credit)
The Symphonic Choir is the mixed vocal ensemble of the high school choral program. Students will be placed in this ensemble by recommendation of the instructor, based on audition and seniority. The number of students selected for the ensemble will be determined each year by the instructor, providing for the best sound and balance of male and female voices. Symphonic Choir members may also audition for the extra-curricular North Hills Singers, and may participate in the Madrigal Choir. ALL BOYS 9-12, CURRENT SYMPHONIC CHOIR MEMBERS, AND CURRENT SOPHOMORE WOMEN’S CHOIR MEMBERS SHOULD SELECT THIS COURSE.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ENSEMBLES
Students enrolled in the Symphonic Choir may audition for the North Hills Singers, a select 24-26 member mixed vocal ensemble focusing on challenging music for chamber choirs, vocal jazz, and music suitable for community performances at senior centers, churches, and luncheons. The NH Singers meet Mondays and Tuesdays for an hour weekly, with occasional Saturday morning rehearsals every few months. AUDITIONS FOR THE 2015-16 NORTH HILLS SINGERS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE END OF MAY 2015. THE NEWLY FORMED GROUP WILL PERFORM AT THE 2015 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY.
Seasonally, the Madrigal Choir will meet to provide musical entertainment during the Choral Parent Association’s Madrigal Dinner fundraiser as well as during the district’s Arts Alive celebration, strolling through the hallways. This group meets on an as-needed basis around the time before these events. The Madrigal Choir performs in period costume. THE MADRIGAL CHOIR IS OPEN TO ANY WOMEN'S OR SYMPHONIC CHOIR MEMBER WHO WISHES TO PARTICIPATE AND WHO CAN COMMIT TO THE AFTER-SCHOOL REHEARSALS. AUDITIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS GROUP.
WOMEN’S CHOIR
6415 - FULL YEAR (1.0 credit)
6420 - SEMESTER ONLY (0.5 credit)
The Women’s Choir is open to any girl in grades 9 through 12 who would like to be in a singing ensemble. Auditions are not required. The Women’s Choir performs on all high school concerts along with the Symphonic Choir and also collaborates with them on special performances of larger works with the bands or orchestra. Girls already in Symphonic Choir may also elect to take this course if schedules permit. Women’s Choir members may participate in the Madrigal Choir (see below). Students may enroll for one semester or full year. ALL INCOMING FRESHMEN (8th GRADERS) & CURRENT FRESHMEN WOMEN’S CHOIR MEMBERS SHOULD SELECT THIS COURSE.
SYMPHONIC CHOIR
6405 - FULL YEAR (1.0 credit)
6410 - SEMESTER ONLY (0.5 credit)
The Symphonic Choir is the mixed vocal ensemble of the high school choral program. Students will be placed in this ensemble by recommendation of the instructor, based on audition and seniority. The number of students selected for the ensemble will be determined each year by the instructor, providing for the best sound and balance of male and female voices. Symphonic Choir members may also audition for the extra-curricular North Hills Singers, and may participate in the Madrigal Choir. ALL BOYS 9-12, CURRENT SYMPHONIC CHOIR MEMBERS, AND CURRENT SOPHOMORE WOMEN’S CHOIR MEMBERS SHOULD SELECT THIS COURSE.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ENSEMBLES
Students enrolled in the Symphonic Choir may audition for the North Hills Singers, a select 24-26 member mixed vocal ensemble focusing on challenging music for chamber choirs, vocal jazz, and music suitable for community performances at senior centers, churches, and luncheons. The NH Singers meet Mondays and Tuesdays for an hour weekly, with occasional Saturday morning rehearsals every few months. AUDITIONS FOR THE 2015-16 NORTH HILLS SINGERS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE END OF MAY 2015. THE NEWLY FORMED GROUP WILL PERFORM AT THE 2015 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY.
Seasonally, the Madrigal Choir will meet to provide musical entertainment during the Choral Parent Association’s Madrigal Dinner fundraiser as well as during the district’s Arts Alive celebration, strolling through the hallways. This group meets on an as-needed basis around the time before these events. The Madrigal Choir performs in period costume. THE MADRIGAL CHOIR IS OPEN TO ANY WOMEN'S OR SYMPHONIC CHOIR MEMBER WHO WISHES TO PARTICIPATE AND WHO CAN COMMIT TO THE AFTER-SCHOOL REHEARSALS. AUDITIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS GROUP.
Middle School Choirs
CHORUS 7
(3 DAYS/WEEK)
Course No. 7725
Chorus 7 is an introduction to vocal technique, singing skills, part-singing, and performance of choral literature. Emphasis is placed on ensemble performance, with several required evening concerts for the public showcasing skills learned in class. Opportunities for more advanced study are available through select extra-curricular ensembles and festival experiences. No audition or previous experience in chorus is required.
CHORUS 8
(5 DAYS/WEEK)
Course No. 8725
Students enrolled in Chorus 8 build upon the skills learned in Chorus 7 by experiencing a more intense study of vocal techniques, ear training, and choral literature from around the world and from various periods in music history. Classroom experiences culminate in several required public performances throughout the year. Opportunities for participation in festivals and select ensembles outside of the regular classroom are also available. Previous experience in chorus is preferred, but not required.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR:
CONCERT CHOIR
Concert Choir is an auditioned ensemble, open to all students in grades 7 and 8, and includes students in chorus, band, orchestra, and music appreciation classes. The Concert Choir has minimal rehearsal time – meeting only 20 minutes during homeroom three days per week. Concert Choir performs during each of the regular choral concerts as well as at Arts Alive and for the School Board. Additionally, they participate in the High Note Festival at Carnegie Mellon University each year and consistently earn superior ratings for their performances.
(3 DAYS/WEEK)
Course No. 7725
Chorus 7 is an introduction to vocal technique, singing skills, part-singing, and performance of choral literature. Emphasis is placed on ensemble performance, with several required evening concerts for the public showcasing skills learned in class. Opportunities for more advanced study are available through select extra-curricular ensembles and festival experiences. No audition or previous experience in chorus is required.
CHORUS 8
(5 DAYS/WEEK)
Course No. 8725
Students enrolled in Chorus 8 build upon the skills learned in Chorus 7 by experiencing a more intense study of vocal techniques, ear training, and choral literature from around the world and from various periods in music history. Classroom experiences culminate in several required public performances throughout the year. Opportunities for participation in festivals and select ensembles outside of the regular classroom are also available. Previous experience in chorus is preferred, but not required.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR:
CONCERT CHOIR
Concert Choir is an auditioned ensemble, open to all students in grades 7 and 8, and includes students in chorus, band, orchestra, and music appreciation classes. The Concert Choir has minimal rehearsal time – meeting only 20 minutes during homeroom three days per week. Concert Choir performs during each of the regular choral concerts as well as at Arts Alive and for the School Board. Additionally, they participate in the High Note Festival at Carnegie Mellon University each year and consistently earn superior ratings for their performances.