Choir Pathway

Chorus

Prerequisite: None

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills:  is for all level but serious vocalists, comprised of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Course Description: Students will rehearse and perform a variety of music from the jazz band repertoire. Students will develop technical skills on their vocal performance as well as study improvisation, music theory, composition/arranging, jazz history, and rehearsal and performance techniques. May be repeated for credit.

Major Projects/Assignments: The rehearsal and performance schedule will include rehearsals, concerts, festivals, a concert tour, 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)

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)