New Vocal Handbook

If you didn't get a copy of the 2008 Vocal Music Handbook, you can download it here.
 

JHS Vocal Ensembles

Under the direction of Sarah Van Waardhuizen and Ted Brimeyer, each choir has a full slate of performance and competition opportunities scheduled to showcase the vocal talents of hundreds of students in grades 10 through 12. 

JHS is known for the success of its vocal-music programs, and the department truly has something to offer every student.

Chamber Choir
Year Course
Elective: 10th-12th Grade (Selected by Audition)
Prerequisite: Member of Concert Choir
 
The Chamber Choir is the most select choir in the JHS Choral Department.  28-35 students are selected from the Concert Choir to meet separately to prepare for All-State Auditions.  The Chamber Choir also performs on concerts and the Madrigal Dinner.  It meets at the same time as the Concert Choir so that the two choirs can merge to rehearse and perform together.  Students should list Concert Choir on their schedules.   

Concert Choir
Year Course
Elective:  10th-12th Grade (Selected by Audition) (Meets Every Day)
Prerequisite:  Audition
 
The Concert Choir is a select mixed choir.  It offers the serious musician the challenge of performing difficult literature from various musical periods.  The concert choir performs fall, winter, and spring concerts.  It also enters State Large Group Contest and performs for adjudication in May.  The concert choir presents an Old English Madrigal Feast each December.

Mixed Chorus
Year Course  
Elective:  10th-12th Grade (Meets Alternate Days)
Prerequisite:  None
 
Mixed Chorus is open to all students who are able to match pitches, 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.  The chorus presents a fall concert, a winter concert, and a spring concert.  It rehearses every other day.
 

Innovation
Year Course  
Elective:  10th-12th Grade (Meets Alternate Days & Selected by Audition)
Prerequisite:  Audition and membership in Mixed Chorus, Concert Choir or Chamber Choir required.
 
This class offers vocalists the opportunity to acquire skills associated with performing popular music of the twentieth century.  The course will focus on the singing and stylization of vocal jazz, popular music, and Broadway Show tunes.  Special attention will be given to the choreographing and staging of the numbers to be performed.  The show choir performs on home concerts, presents a spring show, and competes in several competitions each year.  In addition to the scheduled class rehearsals every other day, show choir meets for 3-5 hours each week outside of school hours.
 

Synergy
Year Course  
Elective:  10th-12th Grade (Meets Alternate Days & Selected by Audition)
Prerequisite:  Audition and membership in Mixed Chorus, Concert Choir or Chamber Choir required.
 
Synergy is one of the preparatory choirs for the Innovation Show Choir.  It offers students the opportunity to be introduced to vocal jazz, popular music, and Broadway Show tunes.  Special attention is given to choreography and staging.  The show choir performs on home concerts, presents a spring show, and competes in several competitions each year.  Synergy rehearses every other day and 2-3 hours/week outside of the school day.

VPA Board Meetings
(all meetings @ 6 p.m. H.S. Chorus Room)

January 8th
February 5th
March 5th
April 2nd
May 7th
June 4th
(No July Meeting)
August 6th