BEL CANTO
Prerequisite: Audition
An SSA Select Ensemble open to students 10th - 12th. Up to twenty-four female voices will be selected through audition according according to vocal ability, musicianship, scholarship, character and stage presence. This is a top-performing group. Several styles of literature will be covered in this class based on the demands of upcoming performances (students enrolled for the spring semester must remain academically eligible in order to compete in the KSHSAA sponsored competitions in the spring). Members of Bel Canto are encouraged but not required to be members of Women's and/or Concert Choir as well. There will be additional expenses for performance attire for this group, as well as any trip related expenses. Every attempt will be made to offer fundraising for families on trip years.
MEN'S CHOIR
Prerequisite: None
A TTB Men’s Choir open to male students 9th –12th. This group will be responsible for several performances throughout the year including local concerts and the entire KSHSAA competition schedule in the spring (students enrolled for the spring semester must remain academically eligible in order to compete in the KSHSAA sponsored events). Vocal techniques and music literacy will continue to be taught and assessed. The literature in this class will range from the standard choral repertoire to “pops” style literature. All students will need to acquire performance attire. Depending on the trip cycle there may additional expenses that will be travel related. Every attempt will be made to offer fundraising for families on trip years.
MIXED ENSEMBLE
Prerequisite: Audition
Up to twenty-four voices will be selected through audition according to vocal ability musicianship, scholarship, character, and stage presence. This is the top-performing group in the school and numerous demands will be made upon them to make appearances throughout the year. Several styles of literature will be covered in this class based on the demands of upcoming performances (students enrolled for the spring semester must remain academically eligible in order to compete in the KSHSAA sponsored competitions in the spring). Members of the group are encouraged but not required to be members of Concert Choir also. There will be additional expenses for performance attire for this group, as well as any trip related expenses. Every attempt will be made to offer fundraising for families on trip years.
VITA VOCE
Prerequisite: Audition/Recommendation
Vita Voce is an auditioned non-traditional vocal music class open to students 10th – 12th (however if the situation arises, a director may make a discretionary enrollment decision). Students must already be enrolled in either Bel Canto or Mixed Ensemble and taking Vita Voce as their second vocal music elective concurrently. The students that choose to audition and are selected will keep a rigorous schedule with performances in both their traditional choirs and this non-traditional vocal ensemble. For this reason, this class is expected to be very small each school year. This class will provide an opportunity for students to learn and perform literature including pop and jazz, with a heavy emphasis on contemporary acapella ensembles, artists, and arrangers. Students will perform and potentially compete at Jazz & Pop Vocal Ensemble Festivals across Kansas. Due to the dual enrollment requirement students must remain eligible for KSHSAA competitions and competitions not sanctioned by KMEA or KSHSAA. There will also be a heavy emphasis on performing outside of school, at community events, and for special programming.
Prerequisite: Audition/Recommendation
Vita Voce is an auditioned non-traditional vocal music class open to students 10th – 12th (however if the situation arises, a director may make a discretionary enrollment decision). Students must already be enrolled in either Bel Canto or Mixed Ensemble and taking Vita Voce as their second vocal music elective concurrently. The students that choose to audition and are selected will keep a rigorous schedule with performances in both their traditional choirs and this non-traditional vocal ensemble. For this reason, this class is expected to be very small each school year. This class will provide an opportunity for students to learn and perform literature including pop and jazz, with a heavy emphasis on contemporary acapella ensembles, artists, and arrangers. Students will perform and potentially compete at Jazz & Pop Vocal Ensemble Festivals across Kansas. Due to the dual enrollment requirement students must remain eligible for KSHSAA competitions and competitions not sanctioned by KMEA or KSHSAA. There will also be a heavy emphasis on performing outside of school, at community events, and for special programming.
WOMEN'S CHOIR
Prerequisite: None
An SSA Women's Choir open to female students 9th - 12th. This group will be responsible for several performances throughout the year including local concerts and the entire KSHSAA competition schedule in the spring (students enrolled for the spring semester must remain academically eligible in order to compete in the KSHSAA sponsored events). Foundational vocal techniques will continue to be stressed. The literature in this class will range from the standard choral repertoire to some "pops" style literature for the end of year Pop Show Concert. Depending on the trip cycle there may be additional expenses that will be travel related. Every attempt will be made to offer fundraising for families on trip years.