Choir President: Samantha Allen
Vice Presidents: Diego Gonzalez & Riah Zimmerman
Tech Leads: Gen Garvida & Emma Lawson
Course Description:
This choral class will allow students to perform and compete in a team oriented environment while simultaneously strengthening their vocal technique, musicianship, and personal skills. Students will have ample leadership opportunities, options for solo work and music outside the classroom in a professional setting. Students can explore their creative talents while also identifying themselves as life-long musicians.
CHORUS ALTO/SOPRANO A/B (Treble Choir) Anyone can register for Treble Choir, an audition will follow for voice part placement. Fulfills the fine arts requirement for graduation as well as the UC/CSU Fine arts requirement. This is an introductory choral class for treble voices (unchanged, or alto and soprano voices) and the entry level choir class. Students must audition for the director for adequate vocal placement. Students may enter the class at the beginning of the school year or at the semester. Music of various genres, languages and periods in history will be performed. Emphasis is on vocal development and style with focus on proper vocal production, breathing and posture. Music theory and musicianship will be included in the curriculum, but previous knowledge is not required. Students perform classical repertoire as well as pop music and modern art songs. Students perform at concerts, festivals and in the community.
CONCERT CHOIR A/B Previous choral/music experience preferred, but not required, and an audition. Fulfills the fine arts requirement for graduation & UC/CSU Fine arts requirement. This is Saugus’s most advanced and highly competitive vocal ensemble. Advanced music is performed by this group, both accompanied and a cappella. Students will sing various genres, languages and periods in history with particular focus on classical choral music. Students perform extensively throughout the year at festivals, concerts and in the community. Advanced music theory and musicianship will be covered in this class. Previous music experience is desired, but not required. Students in this course tour in the spring. This is a year-long course.
SHOW CHOIR A/B A singing and dancing audition is required. This is a year-long course. Fulfills the fine arts requirement, UC/CSU Fine arts requirement, and 9-12 can earn P.E. credit. This choir is a performing group where students will learn the basics of show choir presentation, which includes ear-training, correct vocal production and dance skills. Previous singing and dance experience is desired, but not necessary. This class competes at several competitions in the spring. In the spring there are weekly after school rehearsals and occasional weekend practices.
ADVANCED JAZZ ENSEMBLE An audition is required. It is suggested & preferred that students in Jazz Choir are also enrolled in another choir or have taken a choir class at Saugus before, but it is not required. Fulfills the fine arts requirement for graduation as well as the UC/CSU Fine arts requirement. This is an advanced vocal ensemble. Music for this group will focus on Jazz styles from Dixieland to the Modern Era, as well as pop acapella. Students will perform at festivals and concerts in the Fall and Spring. Students all sing on microphones in a smaller vocal ensemble setting. Advanced jazz music theory and musicianship will be covered in this class. Previous choral or music experience is desired for this course, but not required. This is a year-long course.
Classroom Rules & Expectations:
1.Be ready! With a positive attitude, pencil and music before the bell rings.
2. No gum, food, or drinks, water is ok.
3. Respect the property and space of yourself, Ms. Holt, and others around you.
4. Listen to the teacher and others, only speak when called upon and respond respectfully.
5. Cell phones are off and put away unless instructed by the teacher to use sectionals by the designated section leader. Phones will be taken to the office if they are in use during class time.
6. Saugus HS rules and academic integrity policy will be strictly enforced, per the student handbook.
7. Take Responsibility for your own development as a musician!
8. Be willing to try new things!
9. Be present! Each time you sing make it a quality experience.
10. Develop an attitude of wanting to improve every day.
If a student chooses not to follow the rules the O.R. system of discipline will be enforced or students will be sent to the assistant principal and a call home will be made.
Attendance
School tardy policy will be strictly enforced.
Missing a performance is the equivalence of missing a final exam, this is how I assess if material has been acquired or not. Missing a performance can result have a large impact on your final grade.
In the event of an excused absence (doctors note or funeral) the student will be given a reasonable amount of time to complete the work missed. If a final performance or rehearsal is missed, a research paper will be assigned in its place. Missed work or performances due to an unexcused absence cannot be made up
National & State Standards:
-Sight-read music accurately
– Read an instrumental or vocal score of up to four staves
-Analyze and describe the use of musical elements and expressive devices
-Singing and performing alone & with others a varied musical repertoire
-Sing music written in three or four parts with and without accompaniment.
– Sing in small ensembles, with one performer for each part.
– improvise melodies
-Perform music from various cultures
Saugus Choirs 