The Ensemble class is open to 11^th and 12^th grade students with permission of the instructor.  Participants will sing in a small ensemble setting, mixed, male or female, and will participate in numerous public performances throughout the year.  The students in the ensemble must be capable of singing difficult vocal parts independently of the other singers in the group.  The class will offer a one half academic credit and will meet three times each week.  A listing of choral activities will be listed on the Chorus web site listed on the Cary Academy Homepage under Arts Corner at the beginning of each school year. 

Goals

The Cary Academy Ensemble Singers is designed as a performance class.  It is designed to offer students a choral music experience which promotes musical growth by teaching correct vocal technique for individual singing and ensemble singing, strengthening music reading skills, and offering many performance opportunities.    In an effort to offer students a comprehensive view of choral music and the rich history that surrounds it, students will perform stylistically diverse music.  The level of musical expectation is high and students must be accepted into the group through an audition or permission by the instructor. 

Activities/Content

• Through listening to one another and working together on sight singing and rhythm examples students begin to develop a strong sense of ensemble. 
• Students practice daily correct vocal technique through vocal exercises and breathing exercises.  The goal is for the vocal exercises to transfer to the singing of choral selections. 
• To further student growth in the area of music theory, students participate in daily music reading exercises, rhythm exercises and/or melodic exercises. 
• Students will work closely with one another to create an ensemble sound as well as an ensemble presence.  Much practice and attention will be made to create a cohesive unit among the singers.
• Song selections will represent a variety of styles and difficulty from historical to pop and sacred and secular so as to challenge students to appreciate historically important as well as diverse styles of music.  There will be a strong emphasis on contemporary 20^th century music that is a cappella.
• Students will be expected to be able to move (choreography/stage movement) while singing.
• Students will listen and watch other choral ensembles to gain an understanding of excellent ensemble tone and appropriate ensemble stage presence.
• Students will be expected to effectively work as individuals, in vocal sections and within the entire group during the class period.
• Students will participate in all scheduled performances throughout the year.  Students in the class will assist in making the performance schedule with care not to “over do”. 

Assessment

• Students are evaluated on their in-class participation, preparation, and commitment to the ensemble ethic. 
• Students are often asked to critique a rehearsal, personal effort, or a concert.  Sometimes section will critique each other for the practice of verbalizing correct music and singing terms and developing their listening skills.
• Vocal evaluations will include singing from memory and demonstrating movement and stage presence that has been taught in class. 
• Students will critique their performances by listening and watching their performances. 
• Choral performances are a major portion of the assessment each trimester.  Students usually have one performance each trimester that they are expected to participate.  This is where as a unit and individual, exactly what we have learned and accomplished as well as how much we have improved.  

Instructional Materials

• Various choral octavos
• Piano, CD’s for listening to choral ensembles, DVD’s for viewing choral ensembles