7th & 8th Grade Chorus New choral experience – Sing in 3 Parts Greater responsibility –Students are graded 7 Separate Chorus classes merge for performances Ready to explore new vocal and musical challenges: Managing complex harmonies Taking ownership for their individual voices

What do we do in chorus? Learn to follow the vocal score Learn vocal technique – each class is actually a small group voice lesson Develop listening skills to sing in tune Learn basic notation skills to develop musical literacy Musical interpretation & expression Learn diverse repertoire

Year Two for 8th Graders 8th Grade Students – More mature physically and mentally than in the 7th grade. Ready to handle greater vocal and musical challenges: Complex harmonies Musical interpretation & expression Fuller sound due to physical maturity Greater desire to be a good singer Able to absorb more information Ready to take ownership for their individual voices

Skills Acquired in Chorus Collaborative – students work as a team Problem solving – How to make the music and our voices sound better? Higher Order Thinking – Analysis, synthesis, evaluation Musical and behavioral discipline Organization & Responsibility Students transfer skills to academic world!!!

Social Skills Acquired in Chorus Students develop confidence! Self Esteem improves A sense of belonging develops – Students are part of the RDMS Music Family Ability to communicate with students and teachers Tolerance and respect for all!

Bergen County Chorus Auditions: October 11, 2018 Applications due: September 26th Fantastic opportunity for strong choral students Participating students advance vocal skills Students bring back Bergen County Chorus experiences to RDMS chorus peers

All North Jersey Region I Jr. High School Chorus Another outside ensemble opportunity Auditions February 2, 2019 Choral students across the Northern New Jersey area grades 7-9 are eligible Rehearsals and performance take place in February and March 2019

School Wires and One Note Course Expectations document Rehearsal and performance schedules will be posted Bergen County and Region Chorus information & sound clips for practicing Audio files for chorus repertoire will be posted in One Note for student access

Concerts After school rehearsals in November/December – All students are expected to be present Student pianists accompany the chorus at these rehearsals. Great experience! Chorus classes merge for two concerts Dates: December 13th and May 2nd

Break in the day! Communication Kids have fun in chorus and music is great for the soul! Nice break from the academic world when students express themselves and develop their voices (a full body physical endeavor)! Communication Students and parents can contact Mrs. Zintel at any time with concerns or questions. Email is great!!! Students are encouraged to communicate if they are having any difficulties. Always better to talk things out!!!

Schedule Students will have a small group chorus class once every 4 day rotation during their physical education class. Students will not be penalized for any activities they miss in gym or health Extended Full Group Rehearsals will be scheduled for the 7th & 8th Grade Chorus to rehearse together!

Select Chorus Extracurricular Ensemble Audition ensemble. All RDMS students are eligible Auditions take place in December Rehearsals after school Wednesdays & Thursdays beginning in January Perform in the Spring Concert Participation in the High Music Festival Judges’ Comments from June 2018: