Fostering the personal and educational growth of students through meaningful experiences in music education and vocal performance.
Music
Gives
Life
Jeff High offers a variety of choir experiences for all students. From Freshman Girls choir to Chamber Choir, students in any year have a place to participate in a choir of their peers, and will have opportunities to engage in competition and performances throughout the year.
The Choirs
Bel Canto Choir
Who can join:
Any girl in the 9th grade can be a part.
What’s required to join:
Middle school choir experience is encouraged but not required.
What’s taught:
This group will perform both 3-part treble pieces (SSA) on their own and 4-part mixed pieces (SATB) combined with the Men’s Chorus. There will be a focus on sight-reading fundamentals using solfege (“Do Re Mi…”) and rhythmic syllables as well as consistent instruction on proper singing methods.
Those who complete the year in this choir will emerge with a strong foundation of music literacy and vocal technique.
Men's Chorus
Who can join:
Most will be boys in the 9th grade, but some will be grades 10-12.
What’s required to join:
Middle school choir or previous previous high school choir experience is encouraged but not required.
What’s taught:
This group will perform 2, 3, or 4-part lower-voiced pieces (TB, TTB, or TTBB) on their own and 4-part mixed pieces (SATB) combined with the Bel Canto Choir. Like their girls’ counterpart, there will be a focus on sight-reading fundamentals using solfege and rhythmic syllables as well as consistent instruction on proper singing methods.
Those who complete their first year in this choir will emerge with a strong foundation of music literacy and vocal technique. Subsequent years will reinforce these concepts and give students the opportunity for leading others.
Varsity Choir
Who can join:
Girls in grades 10-12
What’s required to join:
Previous high school choir experience is encouraged but not required.
What’s taught:
This group will perform both 3 and 4-part treble pieces (SSA and SSAA). There will be a focus on intermediate level sight-reading with a continuing use of solfege and rhythmic syllables as well as an emphasis on ensemble blend and an incorporation of more styles and languages than in Bel Canto.
Those who participate in this choir will be equipped to handle higher-level choral literature and vocal technique.
Chamber Choir
Who can join:
Primarily those in grades 10-12; rare exceptions can be made for 9th-graders who sing at a highly advanced level.
What’s required to join:
All members must have completed the audition process and be selected by the director.
What’s taught:
This group will perform high level mixed-voice pieces (SATB or SSAATTBB). There will be a focus on advanced sight-reading skills as well as vocal technique, anatomy, and health. Members of this choir will be strongly encouraged to study voice privately and will be often recommended for outside performance opportunities (such as All-State, Honor Choirs, Community groups, etc.). Chamber Choir will also have chances to travel and perform at various venues both inside and outside the local area and they will be expected to develop individually as soloists and members of small ensembles.
Those who participate in this choir will be able to sing at the highest levels and will be equipped to move on to collegiate level choral experiences.