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2010-2011 PHS Choir Audition FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is Choir for me? – I really haven’t sung before. Choir is a place to improve your singing abilities and love of all types of music. No matter what level you are at right now, you will improve with practice and patience. I would say if you like to listen to music, why not learn how you can make it? Choir is a place where it is safe to be yourself. Give something new a try- you’ll really like the experience, even if you find singing is not your “thing.” My hope is to help you keep music in your life-for the rest of your life. Singing, playing, or just listening, I want you to have an experience here that will enhance your appreciation of all music styles from the traditional choral pieces, multi-cultural music, R&B, rap, pop and jazz. It’s all music; we work toward finding greatness in each style of music that we perform.
What choir should I forecast on my schedule? The only non-auditioned choir is the Concert Choir. This choir allows students to learn skills in note reading, good vocal production, ear training, sight reading and knowledge of music symbols and terms. An excellent introduction to vocal music; most freshmen should forecast for this ensemble, changes can be made pending audition results.
What are the auditioned choirs? What is the commitment level for each of the choirs? / What do the ensembles do besides sing at school concerts?
- “117th Avenue (Vocal Jazz)” performs and travels regularly through out the school year, performing in the community and at festivals around the Northwest. Due to regulations at most of those festivals, this choir is limited to a minimum of 10 singers or a maximum of 18 singers and a rhythm section. Selection for this choir is based on a rigorous audition that demonstrated proficient sight-singing and aural skills, consistent attendance and rehearsal habits and independent musicianship. Auditions are held in June for the following school year, and are open to students going into grades 10-12. In some cases 9th grade students may be considered. This class often rehearses beyond the course of the school day and students/parents are responsible for transportation in those instances.
- Symphonic Women’s Chorale expands on skills and information learned in Concert Choir. Students will have the opportunity to work with guest conductors, clinicians and voice technicians throughout the year. Ear training, music theory sight reading, music history, music of other cultures (ethnomusicology) and great choral works are integral to the curriculum.
- NEW for 2011-12- IF enough guys sign up! Bass Proximity Men’s Ensemble is an introduction into a capella singing in the style of The Sing-Off show on NBC and Glee on FOX, and will be just plain fun. Just for the male voice, we will work on the specifics to improve your singing. Travel, uniform and class fees apply.
- NEW for 2011-12- IF enough gals sign up! Crimson Women’s Ensemble also known as Advanced Women’s Chorus is an opportunity for students to concentrate on the development of the female vocal instrument. Concentrating on the fundamentals of good vocal production, tone placement and enunciation, this class also develops the singer’s understanding of music theory and sight reading. The Jubilettes sing a variety of musical styles including traditional women’s chorus material to vocal jazz. Performances beyond the school day are an integral part of the class.
Each group listed above will perform in all school concerts and many performances outside the school day. Students should expect 30 days notice on most required activities, unless the group unanimously agrees to attend an event on less notice.
Can I audition for an advanced choir when I’m a freshman? YES! Just phone/email the choir office, and we’ll get an audition time set for you.
What is the audition process like? See the next page!
How do I take 2 electives my freshman year? OR How do I take Band and Choir my freshman year?
This is of special concern to those of you who make jazz choir and take another choral ensemble as well, or who want to play in a band and sing in a choir. Options do exist that make you able to have morethan one elective! Contact Mrs. Tabor for more information.
I play piano or another accompanying instrument. Is there opportunity for me? YES! Please phone/email or come by the office. We’ll chat and see what would work best for your musical development and for the choir program.
Auditions for 2011 groups will occur in class for all singers, and during STAT or by appointment for incoming singers. Have you asked someone to join us for next year?
Prairie Choirs Audition Information
Thank you for your interest in Choir. Your audition will determine your placement for 2010-2011 School Year. You can complete all or some of the audition requirements depending on your goal group. Please note: The more tasks completed in the audition, the better your placement will probably be. Go for it! If you or your family has questions please feel free to ask during STAT, or email me at tabor.monika at bgsd.k12.wa.us
Below you will find all the information about how to complete the audition.
Sleep. Be sure to get enough rest the night before. Your body and mind will function better.
Be Prepared. Go into the audition knowing I expect you to do the best job you are able. Practice at home, by yourself or with friends- IT WILL HELP!! Sing for eachother so you get a chance to perform one on one. Use current members as your resources- they want you to be successful and they also have to complete the audition process.
Believe in Yourself. Trust yourself. Take a deep breath and go for it. No matter what the outcome you should feel good about yourself for trying.
The Process:
1: Pick Up this Information and get any additional audio materials if you are auditioning for the 117th AVE Ensemble. (Bring in a Flash Drive, CD or iPod)
2: Sign up for an individual audition with Mrs. Tabor
Your individual audition:
Each individual audition is closed (just you and me) in which I have the opportunity to listen to and evaluate your ability to sing and ask you various questions. This is done in the choir room and takes between 10-15 minutes.. If you are a current Choir Student: We will take class time for these as your Semester Final.
Range: Sing a chromatic scale (assisted and unassisted by the piano) going as high as you can and then as low as you can. This tells me what section you might be a part of.
Scale: Sing a major scale up and down with out the piano
Tonal Memory: sing back a series of pitches after they are played on the piano.
Song: Choose Any Song you Like/Know/IS EASY FOR YOU TO SOUND GOOD
OR the Jazz Tune: Our Love is Here To Stay (lyrics at prairiehighschool.org/choir)
3: Call backs for 117th AVE ensemble will occur during STAT and during evening rehearsals. Music will be provided for you to learn and sing in quartets
The number off students forecasting to take choir determine the ensembles offered. Ensembles are listed in the order they will be added to PHS’s master schedule by administration.
Commitment dates are listed below for your information. **Note: ALL dates are TENTATIVE OR ESTIMATED according to past dates of those events. Dates may be added or changed in September**
Symphonic and 117th AVE Summer Meeting: Tuesday, June 14th @ 7pm ALL Incoming and Veteran Parents and Members, please for an Ice Cream Social and Meeting at PHS. Outfit and Travel choices will be made on this day for vocal jazz. Singers, Rhythm Section Members and Parents are required to attend.
117th AVE Ensemble Only: Monday Night “Woodshed” Sessions 7p.m. – 9p.m. 2 times monthly.
Woodshed Dates are mostly on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, except on NO School Mondays, where special rehearsals may be scheduled, or the day taken as a rest day. These rehearsals are required, and will be graded upon participation.
1st Semester
September 15 @ 7pm All Choirs Parent Meeting and Dessert Social
By invite only: September 27th All Day Willamette University Choral Leadership workshop
??? dates not booked yet for retreat: Jazz Only October 10-12 TBD – Jazz Retreat $100
October 27 PHS Fall Concert– The first after auditorium remodel!
October 29 PHS Booster Auction (likely date)
November 5,6,7 Holiday CD Recording during CLASS! NO ABSENCES THESE DATES!!!
Jazz Only November 10 MHCC Jazz Invitational
December 15 Prairie Music Department Holiday Concert
December 16 Community Gigs- Elementary schools, retirement homes, the mall? Etc.
Jazz Only January MLK holiday—All Day Jazz Rehearsal/Mini-retreat
Jazz Only January 20 Jazz Festival Preview Concert with Band
Jazz Only January 26 Clark Jazz Festival (likely date)
2nd Semester
Jazz Only February 16 Vocal Jazz Night with Special Guests TBA
February 21 Solo and Ensemble
Jazz Only March 8 Clackamas Vocal Jazz Festival
Jazz Only March1-3 Edmonds Jazz Festival and mini-tour to Middle Schools in BGSD and to other schools on way to Lynnwood, WA est. cost: $125
March 22 Spring Concert
Symphonic April 12 LCRMEA Festival
Jazz and Symphonic April 27-28 Pasco Jazz Unlimited Festival ext cost: $200
May 8 & 9 Solo Porject Concert Series
May TBD Dinner Theatre with Drama/BGHS Choirs
Jazz Only May 19 Northwest Vocal Jazz Festival Mt. Hood CC, Gresham, OR
June 7 Farewell Concert
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