Answers to frequently asked questions Q: How are students placed in choir? A: Choral placement is selected by vocal range (see below) and overall need of the choir. A student's range is established during the first three days of class by singing scales and reading rhythms one-on-one with the teacher. If there is a need for members in a certain section, the students who are at the lower or higher range of the vocal group may be assigned outside of their original placement. Q: What are the vocal ranges? A: The vocal ranges are as follows: Soprano: D4 - G5 Alto: A3 - C5 Tenor: E3 - G4 Bass: G2 - C4 Since the male voice is in a state of change, the tenors and basses are placed in the area that their voice is at during the time of placement and where they may be heading by the end of the semester. Q: Is individual practice time provided in class? A: I do not provide individual practice time. Individual practice should be done at home with the help of accompaniment CDs that are made at the student's request. Tuesdays are sectional days. During a sectional, the class divides into sections and rehearses what the teachers asks them to. There is a section leader in every group that runs the section as the teacher moves from one section to the other. Q: What specific skills are taught in choir? A: Specific skills taught on a daily basis include proper pitch, diction, breath support, body carriage, correct interpretation, and rehearsal decorum. Things such as scales, thirds, arpeggios, are covered during the vocal warm-up. Music theory will begin during the second term but is only covered lightly. If a student wishes to go deeper into theory, they may take the music theory class that will be offered next year. Sight-reading is limited due to the lack of music. I do not always come out and directly tell students why we are coving certain items, in the hopes that the student will make the connection on their own. Q: What are the most important skills taught in choir? A: The most important skills the student should learn this year include singing in tune, proper breath support, proper vocal blend, correct diction, and vocal projection. These are all important skills because they aid in a successful performance. Q: Where should the students be by midterm and finals? A: By the first midterm, the student should have a solid grasp on all pitches and a basic understanding of the musical shaping of the pieces. Skills discussed above should also be displayed in the students at least 50% of the time. By the end of the first grading period, the student should have all music memorized, all pitches mastered, and all basic skills showing 75% of the time. By the second midterm, students should have pieces prepped for adjudication and be displaying basic skills 100% of the time. By the end of the semester, the students should be able to display all basic skills and have a firm grasp on all performance and non-performance music. Q: How are grades determined? A: See the course syllabus that was sent home on the first day of class. Q: What should I do if I have a problem or concern? A: Problems and grievances from both parents and students can be brought to the teacher at anytime, either vocally or by writing. If written, the letter must be signed, as I do not respond to anonymous letters. Both parents and students are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns with the teacher any time. Q: Is there a fee for choir? A: Currently there is no choral fee. <-- Back to Choir Home