The aim of the New Canaan High School Choral Program is to prepare singers for vocal participation in many genres of music by working to improve their musicianship, vocal technique, and music literacy through large ensembles and small group/individual voice lessons. Most importantly, we want our vocalists to become lifelong musicians, performers, and intelligent consumers of music, knowing the joy and camaraderie that collaborative music-making experiences can bring. The NCHS Choral program currently offers three performance ensembles for credit (Concert Choir, Honors Concert Choir, Madrigal Ensemble), two student-led groups (Bella Voce treble ensemble, Da Capo tenor-bass ensemble), and small group voice instruction for choir members.
CONCERT CHOIR
Grades: 9 - 12
Duration: 2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester
Prerequisite: None
The Concert Choir is a typical non-weighted 1-year elective course. Students will participate in Concert Choir during period 5, perform in all required concerts throughout the year. Singers are also eligible for departmental performance trips and opportunities for small group and solo performance in and out of our school community. In addition to ensemble rehearsals, each student enrolled in Concert Choir receives small group and individual vocal instruction during the schedule rotation, focusing on personal voice goals, music reading, and extra assistance with audition and solo literature in various genres of music.
HONORS CONCERT CHOIR
Grades: 9 - 12
Duration: 2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester
Prerequisite: Audition and department music theory assessment
Honors Concert Choir is a weighted 1-year elective course. Students will participate in all aspects of the period 5 Concert Choir curriculum and performance schedule, but also complete additional performance and music literacy work at an advanced level. An audition and music theory assessment are required for acceptance into this course section.
MADRIGAL ENSEMBLE
Grades: 10 - 12
Duration: 2 semesters, 0.25 credit per semester
Prerequisite: 1 year in Concert Choir and vocal audition
Co-requisite: Enrollment in the NCHS Concert Choir
The Madrigal Ensemble is a weighted .5 credit elective course composed of singers in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year in the choral program. Students rehearse with the Madrigals on Monday evenings in addition to participate with the Concert Choir during the school day. Chosen students are strong vocalists and sight-singers who share a deep commitment to the program and a love for collaborative music-making and performance. The advanced level of repertoire, rehearsal expectations and additional performance requirements throughout the year are contained in this course for honors credit. A spring audition is required for acceptance into the Madrigal Ensemble.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR GROUPS
Bella Voce Treble Ensemble & Da Capo Tenor-Bass Ensemble
Grades: 9 - 12
Prerequisite: Vocal screening for section placement
Co-requisite: Enrollment in the NCHS Concert Choir
Ensembles are open to all current Concert Choir members and do not require an audition. Both groups are student-led and made up of committed singers who desire to learn and perform additional music of varied styles at our concerts and community events. Sign-ups and rehearsals begin each September.
CONCERT CHOIR
Grades: 9 - 12
Duration: 2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester
Prerequisite: None
The Concert Choir is a typical non-weighted 1-year elective course. Students will participate in Concert Choir during period 5, perform in all required concerts throughout the year. Singers are also eligible for departmental performance trips and opportunities for small group and solo performance in and out of our school community. In addition to ensemble rehearsals, each student enrolled in Concert Choir receives small group and individual vocal instruction during the schedule rotation, focusing on personal voice goals, music reading, and extra assistance with audition and solo literature in various genres of music.
HONORS CONCERT CHOIR
Grades: 9 - 12
Duration: 2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester
Prerequisite: Audition and department music theory assessment
Honors Concert Choir is a weighted 1-year elective course. Students will participate in all aspects of the period 5 Concert Choir curriculum and performance schedule, but also complete additional performance and music literacy work at an advanced level. An audition and music theory assessment are required for acceptance into this course section.
MADRIGAL ENSEMBLE
Grades: 10 - 12
Duration: 2 semesters, 0.25 credit per semester
Prerequisite: 1 year in Concert Choir and vocal audition
Co-requisite: Enrollment in the NCHS Concert Choir
The Madrigal Ensemble is a weighted .5 credit elective course composed of singers in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year in the choral program. Students rehearse with the Madrigals on Monday evenings in addition to participate with the Concert Choir during the school day. Chosen students are strong vocalists and sight-singers who share a deep commitment to the program and a love for collaborative music-making and performance. The advanced level of repertoire, rehearsal expectations and additional performance requirements throughout the year are contained in this course for honors credit. A spring audition is required for acceptance into the Madrigal Ensemble.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR GROUPS
Bella Voce Treble Ensemble & Da Capo Tenor-Bass Ensemble
Grades: 9 - 12
Prerequisite: Vocal screening for section placement
Co-requisite: Enrollment in the NCHS Concert Choir
Ensembles are open to all current Concert Choir members and do not require an audition. Both groups are student-led and made up of committed singers who desire to learn and perform additional music of varied styles at our concerts and community events. Sign-ups and rehearsals begin each September.
