Calendar
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Program of Overview
Music is a language that allows people to communicate in an expressive and ever-changing manner. The study of choral music enables students to explore different aspects of music and fosters a better understanding of the art of singing. This website serves as a guide to the DHS Chorus Program as well as the standards required to achieve excellence within the program. The study of choral music is very similar to the study of any other subject. To achieve success students must be willing to work hard and show commitment. It is the hope of DHS’s Performing Arts Department that the study of the arts will help our students to develop aesthetic awareness and a deeper appreciation of the arts.

Program Benefits

Some benefits include:
• The opportunity to sing with the same group of friends for four years
• The chance to develop an attitude of teamwork in a large group activity
• The potential to work with excellent choirs and world famous guest conductors
• The thrill of being able to perform great choral literature in several different venues throughout the year
• The opportunity to hone musical skills that you can use for the rest of your life

What value does Chorus hold for your future?

Personally: In every major civilization, music has had a role in the general education of every student. Indeed, long after other things have vanished, civilizations are long remembered for their arts, including music. Brain research today is underscoring the presence of musical-aesthetic intelligence in human beings, a capacity to learn to be musical. These factors suggest to us that whatever your eventual career or life course, music study contributes to being a well-rounded person and realizing your potential as a human being. It can also provide a source of personal joy and pleasure available to you throughout life.
Practically: Vocal study is one of the most practical things you can do, for your voice is always part of you. You will learn to use it properly and take care of it, so that throughout your life you will have the knowledge to speak with greater quality and clarity, be more comfortable in front of people, participate in your college, community chorus or church choir, be involved in musical theatre, and acquire a more mature appreciation of the arts. Your experience now is the start of a life-long skill.
Academically: The College Board and most selective schools strongly urge high school music study – some even require it – no matter your vocational or academic goals. Your study in this school will help you prepare for college requirements.
Vocationally: Some of you may want to make music and/or dramatic arts you life’s work. Numerous DHS chorus alumni have been accepted as college music, music theatre or drama majors, some with scholarships. There are often opportunities for music scholarships even without a major in music.

Course Descriptions
General Chorus
This course is a non-auditioned, entry level choir for any student in grades 9-12 who needs an arts credit or who is interested in furthering their vocal production and part singing. Emphasis is placed on developing basic skills in tone production, performance techniques, musical literacy, and music appreciation. After school rehearsals and performances are part of this course.

Men’s Ensemble
This is an extra-curricular non-auditioned group for male students in 9-12 grade. Emphasis is placed on developing basic skills in tone production, performance techniques, musical literacy, and music appreciation. After school rehearsals and performances are part of this course.

Women’s Chorale
This course is an auditioned, intermediate level choir for students in grades 10-12 who have become proficient in vocal production and music reading skills. Emphasis is placed on developing tone production, sight-singing skills, vocal blending within an ensemble and individual musicianship skills at a more sophisticated level. After school rehearsals and performances are part of this course. The choir will perform each semester for scheduled public concerts, at district and state choral festivals, and at other festivals and competitions determined by the director.

Concert Choir
This course is an auditioned, advanced level choir for students in grades 10-12 who excel in vocal production and music reading skills. Emphasis is placed on fostering independence in musicianship, performance techniques and aesthetic awareness through rehearsal and performance of difficult choral music. After school rehearsals and performances are part of this course. The choir will perform each semester for scheduled public concerts, at district and state choral festivals, and at other festivals and competitions as determined by the director.

Performance Opportunities
In addition to the concerts that the chorus performs for the community, there are many choral experiences throughout the year in which students may choose to participate. Most are by audition only and some include audition fees and music purchase. Any students interested in auditioning for the following opportunities will be supported by the director. Most students in the Women’s Chorale and Concert Choirs will be encouraged to participate in the following events.

1. Stetson University Choral Clinic
Interested students may audition for this weekend state-wide clinic held right here in DeLand. The director will choose up to 12 students to participate. There will be a guest conductor working with the students and a final concert of all participants to end the clinic.

2. All-State Choir
Interested students must audition for the All-State Choirs. "All-State" is a generalized name for the annual FVA-FMEA Conference and Convention usually held in January in Tampa. During the music convention, students that successfully auditioned for the All-State Choirs will perform with students from all over the state of Florida.

3. Volusia County Public Schools All-County Honors Choir
Interested students may audition for All-County Honors Choir. Each choral director in the county is given the same piece of music for students to learn and audition with. Students that successfully audition for this choir will work with a guest conductor and sing with other students from Volusia County. The final concert is performed in January.

4. Disney Candlelight Processional
The chorus (upon acceptance of our video application) will be participating in the Disney Candlelight Processional in late November or early December. This is a half day trip to Epcot Center. The Processional provides a unique opportunity for students to perform in front of a large crowd as well as with the Disney performance staff. In preparation for the event, students will need to learn 14 additional songs. Students choosing to participate will be asked to attend after school rehearsals to prepare.

5. Music Performance Assessment
Music Performance Assessment, or MPA, consists of two events per year: the Solo and Ensemble MPA and the Choral MPA. High school level groups that receive a rating of superior at the district MPA are qualified to apply for state which allows those individuals and groups to be evaluated by a select panel of adjudicators at one of two state-wide sites.
Participation in the Solo and Ensemble MPA will be voluntary, although it is strongly encouraged. Participation in the Choral MPA will be mandatory for Women’s Chorale and Concert Choir students as part of the student’s Performance Attendance Grade for the spring. Choral MPA will take place the first weekend in March.

Concert Attire
Click to view the Concert Attire document

2009-2010 Chorus Council
President: Alyssa B.
Vice Presidents: Mary S.
Secretary: Briana L.
Historian: Katie C.
Publicist: Carrie S.
Head Librarian: Kim B.
Librarian: Allison T.
Treasurer: Sara Kate L.
Wardrobe: Maya B.
General Manager: Cara G.
Teacher Assistant: Taylor W.
 

Donations/Sponsorships
To Support the Chorus program, click here.