School District of Holmen - Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions

Grade 6

This course will meet every other day for the school year. 6^th grade choir members will learn appropriate posture and breathing techniques while singing in a variety of musical styles, including “pops” and “traditional.” We will work to develop our voices through fun warm-ups and vocal exercises. 6^th grade choir members will learn the fundamentals of healthy singing and work as a choral ensemble in preparation for 7^th and 8^th grade choir. Activities include performing at the HMS Veteran’s Day Assembly in November, the December Holiday Concert, and our Spring Concert in May. Parents are welcome to attend all of these events.

Grade 7

This course will meet every other day for the school year. (cont. from Grade 6) In addition to our Veteran’s Day Program, Holiday Concert, and Spring Concert, 7th grade singers may participate in the WSMA Solo/Ensemble Festival in February. For this event students prepare and memorize a solo song, duet, or trio and perform it for a judge who gives constructive verbal and written feedback. 7th grade choir members will also participate in the WSMA Large Group Festival where the entire choir performs for judges, receives feedback, and is given a live critique/workshop. 7th grade choir students will also receive a 20 minute small group voice lesson once a week with the instructor. The 7th and 8th grade choirs combine at times throughout the year to form our HMS Concert Choir which sings a variety of choral literature.

Grade 8

This course will meet every other day for the school year. (cont. from Grade 6 and Grade 7) All 8th grade singers continue to learn appropriate vocal technique and hygiene to prepare them for continued success at the high school level. Students may prepare a Class A vocal solo for the district Solo/Ensemble Festival and if they receive a starred first rating (*1), they advance to the state level. Like in 6th and 7th grade, we strive for beauty and purity of tone, correct posture and breathing, musicality and artistic interpretation, but increased development in these areas is emphasized as students’ voices mature. Students will again receive a 20 minute small group voice lesson once per week. The 8th grade choir also sings at the November Veteran’s Day Program, December Holiday Concert, WSMA Large Group Festival, and Spring Concert in May.

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Course Descriptions

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

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Course Descriptions

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8