Choir
Room A116
There are two choir ensembles, Concert Choir and Advanced Choir.
Concert Choir is an all-inclusive, non-auditioned performing ensemble. Students will learn fundamentals of note reading, including rhythm, solfege (do re mi), as well as note identification (C D E F...). Students will also develop healthy singing techniques and learn appropriate performance etiquette and stage presence. Repertoire may include popular music, traditional folk music, rounds, classical music, and other genres, and may range from unison to SATB voicing.
Advanced Choir is an auditioned ensemble. Therefore, all students wishing to participate must sing for Mr. Kirk for appropriate placement. Ability to sing at pitch and with good volume is essential. Strong music reading skills are desired, but not required. Fundamental goals of the Advanced Choir are the same as for Concert Choir, but students can expect to progress more quickly and sing more challenging repertoire.
At this time, the school schedule may be inaccurate regarding student placement and class title. I will work with the counseling department and administration to correct these errors as quickly as possible.
Concert Choir is an all-inclusive, non-auditioned performing ensemble. Students will learn fundamentals of note reading, including rhythm, solfege (do re mi), as well as note identification (C D E F...). Students will also develop healthy singing techniques and learn appropriate performance etiquette and stage presence. Repertoire may include popular music, traditional folk music, rounds, classical music, and other genres, and may range from unison to SATB voicing.
Advanced Choir is an auditioned ensemble. Therefore, all students wishing to participate must sing for Mr. Kirk for appropriate placement. Ability to sing at pitch and with good volume is essential. Strong music reading skills are desired, but not required. Fundamental goals of the Advanced Choir are the same as for Concert Choir, but students can expect to progress more quickly and sing more challenging repertoire.
At this time, the school schedule may be inaccurate regarding student placement and class title. I will work with the counseling department and administration to correct these errors as quickly as possible.
Resources
Here you will find some of the resources that will be used during class. They will be explained in further detail.
Class Description, Behavioral Expectations, and Procedures
Auditions
While no one will be turned away, each student is required to audition privately with Mr. Kirk so that he may determine the best placement in the ensemble, as well as help each student develop vocally throughout the year. The audition will include the following:
- Simple vocal exercises to determine range (high and low notes)
- Unaccompanied singing of a song of student's choice, or a well-known song (like "Happy Birthday")
- Tonal memory exercise: teacher plays a series of pitches, student sings them back on "la"
Performances
There will be numerous performances throughout the year. These include "Meet the Arts" in September, the Winter Concert in December, the preregistration assembly in December, the Zone Showcase in the Spring, and the Spring Concert in May. Additionally, there may be other performances added to the schedule as opportunities arise. These may include festivals or other off-campus events.
Performances are mandatory for all singers. Students may be excused from performances only in emergencies. Lack of transportation is not considered an emergency, and will not be excused-- arrangements must be made in advance.
Performances are mandatory for all singers. Students may be excused from performances only in emergencies. Lack of transportation is not considered an emergency, and will not be excused-- arrangements must be made in advance.
Festivals
Depending on availability, the choir may be able to participate in one or more festivals. These are events in which choirs from other schools are invited by a host, such as Delta College, to perform and receive feedback from an expert in choral music. Festivals are fun and exciting events, but require some fundraising to cover the costs of entry and transportation. Fundraising is done by the choir club.
Choir Club
All students in the choir class are voting members of the choir club. The club's role is primarily to raise funds for participation in festivals and other activities. Students elect officers, including president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. Funds raised by the club may be used however the group wishes, pending approval from the Associated Student Body (ASB). Fundraisers require the participation of all members of the choir to be successful.
The Choir Club officers and constitution can be found here:
The Choir Club officers and constitution can be found here:
3rd Period
President: Milayiah Vice President: Celia Secretary: Milteonna Treasurer: Carolina |
5th Period
President: Jonah Vice President: Jessica Secretary: Casandra Treasurer: Nesly |
Repertoire
All repertoire (song selection) is determined by Mr. Kirk. If you have ideas, I am open to suggestions. However, you should check on its availability in an appropriate arrangement first. This means that it is written for unison, two part (SA or I/II), three part (SAB) or four part (SATB), with piano accompaniment or a cappella. I will only consider repertoire that has been arranged appropriately. Such arrangements may be found on the following websites:
Mr. Kirk makes all repertoire decisions based on several criteria, including musical quality, technical considerations, historical value, and positive message. Submit your pick to the club president to present to Mr. Kirk.