Vocal Music Website
Johnston High School Vocal Music
Choir Descriptions
Cantus
Year Long Course
Elective: 10th-12th Grade (Selected by Audition) (Meets Every Day)
Prerequisite: Audition
Cantus is the most select choir in the JHS Vocal Music Department. Cantus performs upper level high school and collegiate literature from various musical time periods. Vocal technique and sight-reading skills are emphasized in class. Cantus performs fall, winter, and spring concerts and additional performances as scheduled. It presents an Old English Madrigal Performance each December and performs at State Large Group Contest in May. Seniors in Cantus will perform at the Graduation Ceremony. Cantus is directed by Hannah Ryan.
Cantemus
Year Long Course
Elective: 10th-12th Grade (Selected by Audition) (Meets Every Day)
Prerequisite: Audition
Cantemus is a select chamber choir. Cantemus performs upper level high school and collegiate literature from various musical time periods. Vocal technique and sight-reading skills are emphasized in class. Cantemus performs fall, winter, and spring concerts. It presents an Old English Madrigal Performance each December and performs at State Large Group Contest in May. Seniors in Cantemus will perform at the Graduation Ceremony. Cantemus is directed by Laura Grimm.
Bass Clef Choir
Year Long Course
Elective: 10th-12th Grade (Selected by Audition) (Meets Every Day)
Prerequisite: Audition
Bass Clef Choir is a select bass clef ensemble. It offers the serious musician the challenge of performing difficult literature from various musical time periods. Vocal technique and sight-reading skills are emphasized in class. Bass Clef Choir performs fall, winter, and spring concerts. It presents an Old English Madrigal Performance each December and performs at State Large Group Contest in May. Seniors in Bass Clef Choir will perform at the Graduation Ceremony. Bass Clef Choir is directed by Laura Grimm.
Cantate Treble Choir
Year Long Course
Elective: 10th-12th Grade (Selected by Audition) (Meets Every Day)
Prerequisite: Audition
Cantate is a select treble choir. It offers the serious musician the challenge of performing difficult literature from various musical time periods. Vocal technique and sight-reading skills are emphasized in class. Cantate performs fall, winter, and spring concerts. It presents an Old English Madrigal Performance each December and performs at State Large Group Contest in May. Seniors in Treble Choir will perform at the Graduation Ceremony. Cantate Treble Choir is directed by Hannah Ryan.
Mixed Choir
Year Long Course
Elective: 10th-12th Grade (Meets Alternate Days)
Prerequisite: None
Mixed Choir is open to all students who enjoy singing and who can accept the challenge of working with a large team to make music. Auditions for voice placement may be required. Vocal technique and sight-reading skills are emphasized in class. Mixed Choir presents a fall concert and a spring concert. It rehearses every other day. Mixed Choir is directed by Laura Grimm and Hannah Ryan.
Johnston Middle School Vocal Music
Choir Descriptions
8th Grade Bass Clef Choir
Year Long Course
Elective: 8th Grade (Meets Every Day)
Prerequisite: None
8th Grade Bass Clef singers (Tenors and Basses) meet in one section every day. Students will learn vocal fundamentals concentrating on skills such as breath support, diction, vowel modification, and performance techniques. Solfege syllables and hand-signs will be used to enhance sight-reading skills and improve part-singing. Students will participate in three concerts performing a varied repertoire of songs.
8th Grade Treble Clef Choir
Year Long Course
Elective: 8th Grade (Meets Every Day)
Prerequisite: None
8th Grade Treble Clef singers (Sopranos and Altos) meet in one section every day. Students will learn vocal fundamentals concentrating on skills such as breath support, diction, vowel modification, and performance techniques. Solfege syllables and hand-signs will be used to enhance sight-reading skills and improve part-singing. Students will participate in three concerts performing a varied repertoire of songs.
9th Grade Mixed Choir
Year Long Course
Elective: 9th Grade (Meets Every Day)
Prerequisite: None
There are two sections of 9th grade choir that meet every day. Students will sing in a mixed choir setting, allowing students to vocally prepare for their future in JHS Vocal Music. Students will learn vocal fundamentals concentrating on skills such as correct breathing techniques, vowel modification, diction and communication and performance techniques. Solfege syllables and hand-signs will be used to enhance sight-reading skills and improve part-singing. Students will participate in three concerts performing a varied repertoire of songs.
9th Grade Chamber Choir
Year Long Course
Elective: 9th Grade (Meets Every Day)
Prerequisite: None
9th Grade Chamber Choir is an auditioned group of 9th grade students who meet every day in a mixed choir setting. This choir provides students the opportunity to sing more difficult accompanied and a cappella music. This select ensemble will explore and perform a variety of music in addition to gaining a greater understanding of the advanced vocal techniques for the mixed ensemble. Chamber Choir will perform in three choir concerts during the year and will perform at the Madrigal Dinner and other community events. Auditions are held in the Spring for the following fall.
Summit Middle Vocal Music
Choir Descriptions
6th Grade Chorus
Year Long Course
Elective: 6th Grade (Meets Every Other Day)
Prerequisite: None
6th Grade Chorus is Johnston students’ first experience in a true choir setting. The class focuses on learning specific choral skills- proper vocal technique, diction, vowel placement, and performance techniques. Students will work hard at not only becoming better singers, but also at harnessing a lifelong love for singing through good music, fun experiences, and an energetic atmosphere. 6th Grade Chorus meets every other day for 43 minutes. Summit has six sections of 6th grade Chorus, and has two concert dates each school year. 6th Grade Chorus is directed by Julie Hendrickson and Nathan Shivers.
7th Grade Girls Chorus
Year Long Course
Elective: 7th Grade Girls (Meets 2-3 Times Per Week)
Prerequisite: None
7th Grade Girls Chorus focuses on learning and refining specific choral skills- proper vocal and breathing techniques, diction, vowel placement, and developing musicality and performance techniques. Girls will work hard at becoming better singers as well as harnessing a lifelong love for singing through good music, fun experiences, and an energetic atmosphere. Girls chorus meets 2 to 3 times a week, and has two concerts each school year. 7th Grade Girls Chorus is directed by Julie Hendrickson.
7th Grade Boys Chorus
Year Long Course
Elective: 7th Grade Boys (Meets 2-3 Times Per Week)
Prerequisite: None
7th Grade Boys Chorus focuses on learning and refining specific choral skills- proper vocal and breathing techniques, diction, vowel placement, and developing musicality and performance techniques. Boys will learn to navigate the changing male voice with a focus on range specific pieces and vocal exercises. Students work hard at becoming better singers as well as harnessing a lifelong love for singing through good music, fun experiences, and an energetic atmosphere. Boys chorus meets 2 to 3 times a week, and has two concerts each school year. 7th Grade Boys Chorus is directed by Nathan Shivers.
JHS Vocal Music Directors
JMS Vocal Music Directors
Summit Vocal Music Directors
