Vocal Music

 Singing opportunities at St. Mary's Springs High School

Concert Choir is open to all students regardless of vocal ability. Students study proper breathing techniques as they study all styles of choral literature. There are also solo, small ensemble and large group performances throughout the year in concerts, festivals, and the solo ensemble contest. Concert choir can be taken as a full-year course for one credit, or as a semester course for half credit.

Vocal Jazz ensembles are a unique way to explore both the idiom of jazz and the challenges and joys of singing. Membership in the groups is based upon auditions, which are held at the beginning of each academic year. The ensembles generally are small, with no more than 12 in a group, and oftentimes only one to a part.  The groups explore all facets of vocal jazz, including different jazz styles, microphone technique, vocal improvisation, and the challenges of jazz harmonies and rhythms. The Vocal Jazz Ensembles perform at the school concerts, on recruiting trips, at public events, and on concert tours.

Music Liturgy ensemble provides students with the opportunity to be actively involved in the musical side of our celebration of the Mass. The ensemble is open to any student. It meets twice per month duringactivity period. Members of the ensemble can sing or play instruments with many opportunities for solo and small ensemble work.

Small Ensembles have many singing opportunities at St. Mary's Springs High School. Students take the initiative to form small ensembles with the help of the director of vocal music. These ensembles are a collaborative effort between the students and the director. Students are responsible for finding rehearsal times, helping to choose repertoire, and making artistic decisions about their performance. Groups may embrace styles anywhere from motet and madrigal to barbershop and doo-wop. Ensembles have included but are not limited to trios, quartets, quintets, octets and madrigal ensembles.