High School Choral Groups: Concert Choir, Rice Street Singers and Keynote Singers

WHS Choral Concert on 12/14/10, photos courtesy of Liz Kelley

Choral Electives

Concert Choir

This full year course provides students with an experience singing in a large ensemble of mixed voices (soprano, alto, tenor, bass). A wide repertoire of choral music is studied throughout the year ranging from classical to contemporary styles. Students will also develop music literacy skills and proper vocal technique. Members in Concert Choir perform several times during the year in school. Occasionally off-campus performances are scheduled including music festivals and community events. A Masterwork concert of a major choral work is a tradition every several years.

Brooks Brothers

This full year class is an extension of the all male chorus first offered in grade 8. This is a non-auditioned group of men’s voices that sings and performs literature drawn from various sources. Students develop their vocal skills through exercises designed to meet the needs of the developing male voice. Brooks Brothers performs several times a year in various settings. Occasionally off-campus performances are scheduled including music festivals and community events. The Brooks Brothers will perform with Song Sisters and/or the Concert Choir to gain experience in singing with a mixed ensemble.

Song Sisters

This full year class is an extension of the all female chorus first offered in grade 8. This is a non-auditioned group of women’s voices that sings and performs literature drawn from various sources. Students develop their vocal skills through exercises designed to meet the needs of the developing female voice. Song Sisters performs several times a year in various settings. Occasionally off-campus performances are scheduled including music festivals and community events. The Song Sisters will perform with the Brooks Brothers and/or the Concert Choir to gain experience in singing with a mixed ensemble.

Keynote Singers and Rice Street Singers (auditioned)

This full year course is an advanced small ensemble of mixed voices who learn jazz singing style, vocal techniques and improvisational skills. The repertoire is based on jazz literature, though the students are also expected to sing the classical masterworks performed by the department and occasional choral projects may require study of music outside of the jazz and popular genres. Membership is limited to grades 10-12. Singers in this course will study advanced choral techniques and repertoire in addition to elements of ear training and music theory. This chorus performs in many venues through the school year at regularly scheduled concerts and additional performances on and off campus. Voice lessons are strongly recommended for membership in this group. There may be a nominal fee associated with travel.

2008-2009 Rice Street Singers

Last modified 2/27/11