1. YPAS Vocal Music Department
8th Grade Open House
Thursday October 29, 2015

2. Vocal Music Department Overview
What will students do in vocal music at YPAS?
Participate in choral ensembles and small groups that are focused on educating the student in classical singing.
Students will learn art song repertoire and choral repertoire of many different styles and genres
Attention will be paid to the student’s growth as an individual in terms of their solo singing and ensemble singing.

3. Vocal Music Department Overview
What kinds of skills are taught in YPAS vocal?
Vocal technique based in the Italianate school of singing.
Music literacy, especially skill of music reading without the need of piano or rote learning.
Understanding of scores at a higher level than merely being able to sing it.
Artistry rather that simply being technically correct

4. Courses offered Vocal Development 1 (Freshmen/new students)
Concert Choir (9th-12th)
Ladies Ensemble (9th-12th)
Gentlemen’s Ensemble (9th-12th)
Chamber Choir (11th-12th)
Opera Workshop (offered in select years)
Vocal Pedagogy and Repertoire (offered in select years)

5. Performance Opportunities
Fall Solo Recitals
4 Mainstage Choir Concerts including a Major Works Concert with orchestra
Variety Show/Pops concert
Opera productions
Musicals (in conjunction with Musical Theatre and Theatre departments)
Performances with professional community groups (Louisville Orchestra, Bourbon Baroque, WUOL)

6. Honor Choirs and Extras
All-County
All-State
ACDA Regional and National Honor Choir
Invited Choirs to Conventions such as Kentucky Music Educators, Intercollegiate Men’s Choruses, American Choral Director’s Association

7. Travel Opportunities
Co-curricular and extra-curricular travel opportunities
Tours during the school year for conferences and performances within the US (2014 NYC, 2016 Chattanooga, TN for ACDA)
Summer enrichment tours to Europe and the Americas, hopefully soon to Asia, and Africa (these are summer enrichment opportunities that are optional for the edification and experience of our students) (Italy 2013, Costa Rica 2016)

8. Why do students come to YPAS?
Usually it is because they want immersion in a place with like minded students.
They understand that at YPAS music is a discipline not a hobby or just a fun class. This leads to high quality performance which is fun, but to get the most out of it, a lot of work is involved.
They want to achieve on a high level
Many want to pursue music beyond high school.

9. What do the students have to say?

10. How to Apply/Audition
Go to JCPS Website and apply online. Be sure to list YPAS Vocal Music as your FIRST CHOICE
Submit required hard copy materials to Melissa Case at YPAS.
Resume
Picture
Transcripts
Essay
Two teacher recommendations who can talk about your artistic capability (middle school choir director, private voice teacher, other music professionals. Please no relatives)

11. How to Apply/Audition Cont.
See audition website for scheduling your audition
Prepare two selections
An art song or folk song
A song of your choice (should show vocal potential. A current radio song is not recommended)
Sight singing- you will be given a short melody to read at sight with 1 minute of preparation time. If you are currently in middle school choir, this will not be new to you.