CHORAL MUSIC
The two major choral ensembles are the Mixed Chorus (Choral Society) and the Girls Chorus. The Gospel Choir is an extra-curricular activity held after school hours.
The Mixed Chorus
In each choral ensemble, students are introduced to and perform compositions by the great masters, as well as selections by contemporary composers. Students in the choral ensembles undergo extensive training in vocal techniques, intonation, expression, and musicianship.
The members of the Mixed Chorus perform complex material in addition to lighter
works by contemporary composers and songwriters. The skills that are focused
on and developed consist of proper diaphragmatic breathing, intonation,
phrasing and expression, musical terms and definitions, proper choral posture,
vocal production, interpretation, vocal vowels, vocal consonance’s, blending,
balance, literacy as is applies to the arts, cultural meaning and historical
background of the pieces that they are studying. There is an emphasis on the application of the New York State Learning Standards and Performing
Standards.
The Girls Chorus
The Girls Chorus is made up solely of women’s voices. These girls are selected based on membership in a previous choral ensemble. Some girls are selected from the Midwood High School student body.
All choral ensembles
culminate their term’s instruction with a performance at the Winter and
Spring Concert held at Midwood High School in December and June.
The Gospel Choir
The Gospel Choir offers students from all cultures the opportunity to experience, appreciate, understand and perform Gospel music. There is an obvious feeling of camaraderie throughout this choir. The students meet and rehearse 2 times a week after school hours. They are constantly called upon to perform at community and city functions. Their music and their performances really rock the house. The Gospel Choir also performs at the Winter and Spring Concerts.