Robbinsville High School Choral Music Department David Westawski Director of Choirs COURSE GOALS Students will develop an increased understanding of proper vocal technique Students will develop an understanding of the processes involved in choral singing and how it differs from solo/pop/Broadway singing Students will develop the underlying musicianship needed in the performance of quality choral music Students will develop the skills necessary to become an independent musician CURRICULUM Vocal Warm-ups and Practicing Practicing at home Sight-Reading Breathing exercises Vowel unification Producing a quality vocal sound Dynamics and Expression Rhythmic and melodic Solfege Performances Holiday Bazaar- Sun, Nov. 24, 11:30am Robbinsville Tree Lighting- Tues, Dec 3rd, 6pm Winter Concert- Sun, Dec 8th, 3pm Roma Bank Holiday Festival- Wed, Dec 11th, 6:30pm Senior Center Performance- Wed, Dec 18th 11:30am Extra Help? During 3rd lunch everyday After school until 3PM Formal after school chorus rehearsals on Thursday afternoons, 2:10-2:50pm Not mandatory for Raven Chorus members, but strongly encouraged GRADING Weekly Participation/Effort Grade Quizzes and Tests Written Performance (prepared songs, sight singing) Performances Attendance at the concerts and other performances is mandatory- please check the choral handbook for specific guidelines Point-Based grading system is utilized COURSE PREREQUISITES Vocal Techniques Three semesters of high school chorus Select Choir Vocal Techniques class June audition Musical Theater Vocal Techniques TRI-M Music Honor Society Enrollment in chorus or band is required at least one semester each school year NJ STATE HONORS CHOIRS Central Jersey Mixed/Woman’s Chorus Live audition in December Concert in late January All State Mixed /Women’s Chorus Live auditions in April Concerts are the following school year More information will follow Spring Musical, 2014 Many choral students choose to audition for the annual Spring Musical April 4, 5, & 6, 2014 Auditions in mid-November Time commitment and rehearsal information can be found on Westawski’s website REPERTOIRE December Concert- Holiday music March Concert- Traditional “Classical” selections May Concert- “Pops” Concert New Jersey Honors Choirs Central Jersey Region II Honors Choirs Mixed and Women’s Choirs Audition, Dec 7th Concert, Jan 26th New Jersey Music Educators’ Association All-State Honors Choirs Mixed and Women’s Choirs Audition, April 12th Rehearsals/concerts next school year DAVID WESTAWSKI westawski@robbinsville.k12.nj.us For a more immediate response Voicemail 609.632.0950 ext. 7021