ABOUT
The RMEC Choral Program is a united group of students, parents, teachers and administrators working toward our goal to be “A Beacon of Excellence” through music. The Choral Program is open to all RMEC students, magnet and non-magnet, of all musical levels and abilities. The RMEC Choral Program strives to form an inclusive environment where different backgrounds, cultures and experiences are respected and celebrated.
CHOIRS
Robert Morgan’s Choral Program offers a sequentially structured curriculum that meets students of every level.
WOMEN’S CHORUS
DESCRIPTION
For female elective students, grades 9-12, who are new to the RMEC Choral Program. Gives students an opportunity to learn program policies and standards, as well as develop musicianship skills based on the program’s academic demands.
DETAILS
- Rehearses 5th period and occasionally after school
- Performance obligations include Caroling Competition, Winter Concert, MPA and Spring Concert
MEN’S CHORUS
DESCRIPTION
For male elective students, grades 9-12, who are new to the RMEC Choral Program. Gives students an opportunity to learn program policies and standards, as well as develop musicianship skills based on the program’s academic demands.
DETAILS
- Rehearses 3rd period and occasionally after school
- Performance obligations include Caroling Competition, Winter Concert, MPA and Spring Concert
Vocal Techniques (Vocal Lab)
DESCRIPTION
For male and female students, grades 9-12 who have demonstrated an intermediate level of musicianship at chorus auditions. This class rigorously prepares singers for the advanced level of competitions and auditions by studying vocal technique, challenging literature in solo and choral repertoire, as well as by performing in competitions and festivals.
https://youtu.be/DQRvuIqnJWQhttps://youtu.be/DQRvuIqnJWQ
DETAILS
- Rehearses 2nd period, 1-2 times per week after school, and during lunch for sectionals
- Performance obligations include All State auditions, ACDA Honor Choir auditions, Superintendent Honor Choir auditions, Caroling Competition, Winter Concert, Solo and Ensemble, Choral MPA, Spring Concert, and Solo Juries
RHAPSODY
For male and female students, grades 10-12, who demonstrate an advanced level of musicianship at auditions and the ability to sing popular music. This ensemble performs contemporary a cappella music, and maintains an extremely large time commitment with extra rehearsals to prepare for various projects, performances and competitions throughout the year.
https://youtu.be/DzftEK0DuQ8https://youtu.be/DzftEK0DuQ8
DETAILS
- Rehearses 6th period and occasionally after school
- Performance obligations include Caroling Competition, Winter Concert, Solo and Ensemble, MPA, Spring Concert, and community performances as requested
VARSITY CHORUS
For male and female students, grades 10-12, who demonstrate an advanced level of musicianship at auditions. Varsity is the flagship chorus of the RMEC Choral Program. Along with Rhapsody and the Combined Choirs, they maintain a high standard of choral excellence that has earned them state recognition.
https://youtu.be/KQq55erpHnohttps://youtu.be/KQq55erpHno
DETAILS
- Rehearses 4th period, 1-2 times per week after school, and during lunch for sectionals
- Performance obligations include Winter Concert, MPA, Spring Concert, Spring Showcase and graduation
Auditions
One of the goals of the RMEC Chorus Program is to create a sense of community through the power of music. To develop a culture of pride in the program, students of all choirs, but especially auditioned choirs, music continuously exemplify:
- Personal Character (selflessness, humility, caring, non-arrogant, non-self-righteous)
- Behaviors of excellence (initiative, work ethic, high academic levels in all classes, impeccable attendance, compliance with rules and regulations)
- High levels of musicianship (proficient in advanced levels of music theory and sight-reading, development of proper vocal skills)
Students may audition for the intermediate or advanced choirs by either: a) auditioning for the Chorus Magnet Program, or b) successfully completing one full year of Men’s, Women’s Chorus or Vocal Lab and have consistently demonstrated characteristics and behaviors aligned with our choral program’s vision, as well as having developed their musicianship skills to be at the advanced level. Auditionees must be mentally, emotionally, behaviorally and musically prepared to make a sizable commitment to our choral program, as the auditioned choir demand a much larger time and financial commitment. Auditionees must also maintain the understanding that a spot in the auditioned choirs is an earned privilege, not a deserved right.
Students accepted into the auditioned choirs must understand that they will be expected to participate in every performance, competition, trip and tour for that choir, and will be held responsible for completing all payments. The choral program provides several fundraisers to supplement these finances.
THE AUDITION PROCESS
Auditions for Varsity
- Eligibility for placement in Varsity will be based on sight-reading test scores, concert attendance and jury grades.
- Student must be in good academic standing (minimum 2.0 GPA), financial standing, attendance standing (has missed little or no classes, after-school or lunch rehearsals, and performances).
- Student’s character and behavior will be evaluated by director in an interview setting.
Auditions for Rhapsody
- Eligibility for placement in Rhapsody will be based on sight-reading test scores, concert attendance and jury grades.
- Student must sing 30-45 seconds of a pop solo that best showcases their voice (no classical nor musical theatre).
- If student is called back after solo auditions, they will be assessed in a group setting to determine how quickly they can learn music and sing as part of a group.