1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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!!!

5. 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!

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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. is great!!!
Students are encouraged to communicate if they are having any difficulties. Always better to talk things out!!!

11. 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!

12. 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: