Stoneman Douglas High Chorus 2009-2010
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High has four fine Choruses. The Choral
Program has performed at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Universal Studios Orlando,
an Orlando Magic Basketball Game, the Peachtree Choral Festival in Atlanta, the Music USA Festival,
and State Music Performance Assessments.
The choral program at Stoneman Douglas High School is committed to
excellence in the performance of choral music literature form the Middle
Ages to the 20th Century through the acquisition of music literacy and vocal
skill. We find our place in the world through exposure to multicultural
literature as well as that from our own American heritage. Sacred music is
performed for its historical and artistic merit and not for its theological
content.
The instructional curriculum is designed to develop an age appropriate,
healthy vocal production as well as sight-reading skills, music theory
knowledge and performance and rehearsal etiquette.
Every student is afforded the opportunity to develop their individual
vocal talents in a safe, positive, encouraging and inclusive ensemble
setting.
Our premiere group is the Eagle Singers. This Broadway-style ensemble,
which is by audition only, is a phenomenal Jazz Choir that has received
"Superior" ratings at Florida Vocal Association Music Performance
Assessments and First place at the Music USA Festival. The student's
creative choreography to the songs always entertains audiences.
The Chorale is the mass group encompassing all Chorus members. Chorale
is an exciting group of singers, which in 2001, had the distinction of
being "ambassadors" for the Chorus Program. Starting
in October, 2001 with a great performance at the Broward Center for the
Performing Arts in observance of 9/11. Chorale is where students recieve
the foundation for their Choral Education.
Women's Choir is primarily comprised of all of the girls in Chorus. Our
Women's Choir is another talented ensemble that has grasped the Douglas
Chorus' motto of "Stiving for Excellence" by winning a Third Place trophy at
the recent USA Music Festival.
Finally, our fastest growing group is Jubilee. Mr. Armbrister formed this
ensemble in 2003 with nine singers and has balloned to nearly 30 Singers in
2006. This ensemble, in addition to learning Classical selections,
specializes in American music such as Rhythm and Blues, Gospel, Pop, and
Spirituals and is open to all Douglas students. Jubilee hosted the 1st
Stoneman Douglas Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert in January 2006.
Program Description / Overview
Major Concepts/Content
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop basic individual
and ensemble skills in choral performance through preparation of varied high
school literature. Emphasis will be placed on healthy and expressive
singing, accurate interpretation of notation, and development of critical
and aesthetic response to music.
The content includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- vocal production
- choral performance techniques
- music literacy
- sight reading and ear training
- elements and characteristics of music
- improvisation, composition, and arranging
- performance analysis
- role and influence of choral music and musicians
- connections between music and other subject areas
- responsible participation in music activities
Special Note
This program generally requires students to participate in extra rehearsals
and performances beyond the school day.