Choral Music and Vocal Ensemble I-IV
Students will rehearse as an ensemble traditional, historical, and modern pieces of vocal music representative of choral traditions both ancient, modern, and many styles in between. Students are expected to participate meaningfully in rehearsals including vocal warm-ups, using Curwen hand signs, sight-reading, rhythm drills, solfege analysis, learning their individual parts, and helping other students by serving as vocal role models where possible. Choir students are also given the opportunity to provide vocal support for the Academy's annual spring musical. All choir students are expected to perform in the Winter and Spring concerts as these concerts count as their semester exams. Competition opportunities such as UIL Solo & Ensemble, American Bluebonnet Classic, and Region XI Treble auditions will be open to a select group of students. Acceptance into these competition opportunities are by audition only. Region XI Treble auditions occur in October, UIL Solo & Ensemble early Spring, and the American Bluebonnet Classic late Spring. Judging criteria for auditions: 1. Technical knowledge of the music (rhythm, pitch, and intonation). 2. Voice quality (vocal technique and appropriate sound). 3. Overall musicianship (diction, phrasing, style, and dynamics). Please refer to the classroom calendar for specific dates and times. Footnote: Some of the descriptions above are taken in part from the Edgewood High School Catalog of Courses and curriculum standards from the Center for Educational Development of Fine Arts (CEDFA www.cedfa.org). | 
