Concert Choir (Men's / Women's)

From the director:   This class is designed for beginning and intermediate level students.  Most students in the Concert Choirs have some musical experience.  For example, many students have been involved in school choirs, church choirs, musicals, and/or have had private instrument or voice lessons.  It is very rare for students with NO musical experience to enroll.  By the end of the first semester, students are performing college level literature with the advanced students.  The classes are usually a cross-section of grades 9-12.    Students are eligible to audition for the advanced ensembles after one year in concert choir.  Students may take Concert Choir more than once. 

Grade Level:  9-12

Credit: 1 – Full Year

Prerequisite course:  None (some previous musical experience is recommended)

This is an entry level course into the Brentwood High School Choral Department.  The course focuses on intermediate vocal technique, music reading proficiency, and choral ensemble skills.  Students should exhibit a desire to develop healthy singing abilities and a desire to enhance their knowledge of comprehensive musicianship.  This ensemble performs in all concert programs and festivals.  Students perform at least one major work with full orchestra each year.  Out of school rehearsals are required before each concert of festival.

Grade Level:  10-12

Credit:  1-Full Year

Prerequisite course:  Concert Choir (at least one year)

Camerata is an advance choral ensemble for women.  Students must read music proficiently and must demonstrate advanced vocal skills.  The course will focus on advanced vocal training, intermediate music theory, music dictation, and advanced reading skills.  Students will learn collegiate level music and will be prepared to sing in college ensembles upon graduation.  This ensemble performs in all concert programs and festivals.  Festivals may include local, state, and national competitions.  Students perform at least one major work with full orchestra each year.  Out of school rehearsals are required before each concert of festival.   Membership is by audition only.

Chamber Singers is an advanced choral ensemble for mixed voices.  Students must read music proficiently and must demonstrate advanced vocal skills.  Great emphasis is placed on individual musicianship and opportunities are available for solo work.  Students will learn collegiate level music and will be prepared to sing in college ensembles upon graduation.  This ensemble performs in all concert programs and festivals.  This ensemble additionally performs at sporting events and local civic events.  Festivals may include local, state, and national competitions.  Students perform at least one major work with full orchestra each year.  Out of school rehearsals are required before each concert of festival.  Membership is by audition only.

Jazz Choirs
Mixed Jazz Choir
Women's Jazz Choir

From the director:   These classes are designed for advanced singers interested in exploring differents genres of ensemble music.  Students must be concurrently enrolled in Chamber Singers or Camerata. These students usually waive their study hall in order to take this class.  Students are introduced to complex jazz harmonies and complicated rhythmic patterns.  These students must exhibit a high level of independent musicianship since they frequently perform with only one or two singers per part. 

Grade level:  10-12

Credit: 1-Full Year

Prerequisite course:  Camerata or Chamber Singers

Mixed Vocal Jazz Ensemble is a select group of 16 singers taken from the membership of Chamber Singers.  The group frequently includes a vocal percussionist.  Advanced choral skills are required.  Literature for the jazz ensemble will include vocal jazz music and contemporary a capella arrangements.  College preparatory music theory will be explored.  The students compete in various competitions and perform frequently throughout the year.  Out of school rehearsals are required before each concert or festival.  Membership is by audition only.

Women’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble is a select group of 16 female singers taken from the membership of Chamber Singers and/or Camerata.  The group frequently includes a vocal percussionist.  Advanced choral skills are required.  Literature for the jazz ensemble will include vocal jazz music and contemporary a capella arrangements.  College preparatory music theory will be explored.  The students compete in various competitions and perform frequently throughout the year.  Out of school rehearsals are required before each concert of festival.  Membership is by audition only.

FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:

1.  How can 9th graders enroll in chorus with all of the other required courses?

Some 9th grade students waive world geography.  This allows them to take chorus as a 9th grader.  This may also allow them to take chorus for 4 years and be involved in the jazz choir later in high school.

2.  Can student enroll in both band and choir?

Yes.  Many students have successfully participated in band and chorus.  Every effort is made to accomodate these students in regards to scheduling activities outside the school day.

3.  If I have a lot of previous experience, can I audition for an advanced ensemble instead of concert choir?

No.  Concert choir is designed specifically for that kind of student.  Even if you've been in choir before, you've never been in the BHS Chorus.  You need Concert Choir in order to be prepared for the advanced chorus classes.  The only exception to this rule is for transfer students.  If a student has already completed at least one year in high school chorus, they may request an audition.  After assessment, they will be placed in the class appropriate to their skill level. 

4.  Is every student placed in an advanced ensemble after the first year?

Not necessarily.  Students must pass the placement audition which includes an evaluation of vocal technic and a sightreading test.  Some students spend two years in Concert Choir before they are ready to advance.