Choir Pathway

Chorus

Prerequisite: None

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills:  Enrolling students should have an ability to actively participate in the choral rehearsal process.

Course Description: In this entry-level choir, students will learn the basics of singing and reading music. Open to all grade levels, with NO AUDITION NECESSARY! Students will sing repertoire from various eras of musical history and from a variety of music styles: including gospel, musical theater, pop, and classical.  While learning rehearsal and performance techniques, the students analyze compositional elements in cultural and historical contexts. May be repeated for credit with teacher consent.

Major Projects/Assignments: The rehearsal and performance schedule will require a time commitment outside of the regular school day/calendar to include rehearsals, concerts, and festivals. Participation in all performances is mandatory.

Approximate homework assigned daily: Students are expected to be prepared for class each day knowing the material presented and rehearsed in previous classes.  Amount of outside practice time will vary with each individual student.

Concert Choir

Prerequisite: Chorus and/or instructor’s consent

May be repeated for credit.

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills:  Enrolling students should have successful completion of Chorus, basic vocal performance skills, basic music reading skills, and an ability to actively participate in the choral rehearsal process.

Course Description: In this advanced choir, students will learn advanced skills of singing and reading music. Students will sing advanced repertoire from various eras of musical history and from a variety of music styles: including gospel, musical theater, pop, and classical. While learning rehearsal and performance techniques, the students analyze compositional elements in cultural and historical contexts.  

Major Projects/Assignments: The rehearsal and performance schedule will require a time commitment outside of the regular school day/calendar to include but not limited to rehearsals, concerts, festivals, a concert tour, etc. Participation in all performances is mandatory.

Approximate homework assigned daily: Students are expected to be prepared for class each day knowing the material presented and rehearsed in previous classes.  Weekly sectionals and practice will be assigned.

Chamber Singers

Prerequisite:  Concurrent enrollment in another music performance class, earning a grade of C or better and/or teacher consent. 

May be repeated for credit.

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills:  Strong Vocal Technique and Music Reading Skills

Course Description:  The Chamber Singers is the “third-tier” advanced, smaller ensemble in the San Mateo High School Union District Choral Program. Students are auditioned choral skills for entry into this course. The Chamber Singers perform advanced literature, appropriate for a smaller ensemble, chosen from various eras of musical history including: Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Neo-Classical, Twentieth Century and Contemporary, including non-Western musical traditions. While learning the techniques of rehearsal and performance, the students analyze compositional elements in cultural and historical context, gaining a deeper aesthetic understanding of music. The performance schedule will require a time commitment outside the regular school day. This course is aligned with the California Content Standards for Music-Grades 9-12 Advanced. 

Major Projects/Assignments: The rehearsal and performance schedule will require a time commitment outside of the regular school day/calendar to include but not limited to concerts, festivals, a concert tour, SMUHSD In Concert Music Festival, Solo/Ensemble Festival, Community Outreach Performances etc. Participation in all performances is mandatory.

Approximate homework assigned daily: Sectionals and Individual Study (15-30 minutes)

Concert Choir

Prerequisite: Chorus and/or instructor’s consent

May be repeated for credit.

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills:  Enrolling students should have successful completion of Chorus, basic vocal performance skills, basic music reading skills, and an ability to actively participate in the choral rehearsal process.

Course Description: In this advanced choir, students will learn advanced skills of singing and reading music. Students will sing advanced repertoire from various eras of musical history and from a variety of music styles: including gospel, musical theater, pop, and classical. While learning rehearsal and performance techniques, the students analyze compositional elements in cultural and historical contexts.  

Major Projects/Assignments: The rehearsal and performance schedule will require a time commitment outside of the regular school day/calendar to include but not limited to rehearsals, concerts, festivals, a concert tour, etc. Participation in all performances is mandatory.

Approximate homework assigned daily: Students are expected to be prepared for class each day knowing the material presented and rehearsed in previous classes.  Weekly sectionals and practice will be assigned.

Chamber Singers

Prerequisite:  Concurrent enrollment in another music performance class, earning a grade of C or better and/or teacher consent. 

May be repeated for credit.

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills:  Strong Vocal Technique and Music Reading Skills

Course Description:  The Chamber Singers is the “third-tier” advanced, smaller ensemble in the San Mateo High School Union District Choral Program. Students are auditioned choral skills for entry into this course. The Chamber Singers perform advanced literature, appropriate for a smaller ensemble, chosen from various eras of musical history including: Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Neo-Classical, Twentieth Century and Contemporary, including non-Western musical traditions. While learning the techniques of rehearsal and performance, the students analyze compositional elements in cultural and historical context, gaining a deeper aesthetic understanding of music. The performance schedule will require a time commitment outside the regular school day. This course is aligned with the California Content Standards for Music-Grades 9-12 Advanced. 

Major Projects/Assignments: The rehearsal and performance schedule will require a time commitment outside of the regular school day/calendar to include but not limited to concerts, festivals, a concert tour, SMUHSD In Concert Music Festival, Solo/Ensemble Festival, Community Outreach Performances etc. Participation in all performances is mandatory.

Approximate homework assigned daily: Sectionals and Individual Study (15-30 minutes)