2023-2024 NCHS Choral Program Handbook
The aim of the New Canaan High School Choral Program is to prepare singers for vocal participation in many genres of music by working to improve their musicianship, vocal technique, and music literacy through large ensembles and small group/individual voice lessons. Most importantly, we want our vocalists to become lifelong musicians, performers, and intelligent consumers of music, knowing the joy and camaraderie that collaborative music-making experiences can bring.The NCHS Choral program currently offers three performance ensembles: Concert Choir, Madrigal Ensemble, treble ensemble Bella Voce, as well as group and private voice instruction for choir members.
NCHS CONCERT CHOIR
Grades: 9 - 12
Duration: 2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester
Prerequisite: None
Students in the Concert Choir perform multiple concerts during the school year and have opportunities for small group and solo performance in and out of our school community. The Concert Choir participates in choral festivals and trips and helps to fund these efforts through an annual grapefruit fundraiser, which is a staple in the New Canaan community. In addition to ensemble rehearsals, each student enrolled in Concert Choir receives small group and individual vocal instruction during the schedule rotation, focusing on personal voice goals, music reading, and extra assistance with audition and solo literature in various genres of music.
MADRIGAL ENSEMBLE
Grade: 9 - 12
Duration: 2 semesters, .5 credit per year
Prerequisite: Fall vocal audition
Co-requisite: Enrollment in the NCHS Concert Choir
The Madrigal Ensemble is an auditioned, select performance group with a long history of elite performance. Chosen students are strong vocalists and sight-singers in the NCHS Concert Choir who share a deep commitment to the group and a love for choral music and ensemble performance. The Madrigal Ensemble often performs at additional venues and programs throughout the year.
BELLA VOCE TREBLE ENSEMBLE
Grade: 9 - 12
Duration: 2 semesters, .5 credit per year
Prerequisite: Vocal audition
Co-requisite: Enrollment in the NCHS Concert Choir
Bella Voce is an auditioned, selective ensemble of soprano and alto voices from the NCHS Concert Choir. The group focuses on building individual and collaborative musicianship skills through performing in varied genres and musical styles. Chosen students are strong, self-motivated vocalists and sight-singers who value ensemble rehearsal and performance. Bella Voce often performs at additional venues and programs throughout the year.
NCHS CONCERT CHOIR
Grades: 9 - 12
Duration: 2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester
Prerequisite: None
Students in the Concert Choir perform multiple concerts during the school year and have opportunities for small group and solo performance in and out of our school community. The Concert Choir participates in choral festivals and trips and helps to fund these efforts through an annual grapefruit fundraiser, which is a staple in the New Canaan community. In addition to ensemble rehearsals, each student enrolled in Concert Choir receives small group and individual vocal instruction during the schedule rotation, focusing on personal voice goals, music reading, and extra assistance with audition and solo literature in various genres of music.
MADRIGAL ENSEMBLE
Grade: 9 - 12
Duration: 2 semesters, .5 credit per year
Prerequisite: Fall vocal audition
Co-requisite: Enrollment in the NCHS Concert Choir
The Madrigal Ensemble is an auditioned, select performance group with a long history of elite performance. Chosen students are strong vocalists and sight-singers in the NCHS Concert Choir who share a deep commitment to the group and a love for choral music and ensemble performance. The Madrigal Ensemble often performs at additional venues and programs throughout the year.
BELLA VOCE TREBLE ENSEMBLE
Grade: 9 - 12
Duration: 2 semesters, .5 credit per year
Prerequisite: Vocal audition
Co-requisite: Enrollment in the NCHS Concert Choir
Bella Voce is an auditioned, selective ensemble of soprano and alto voices from the NCHS Concert Choir. The group focuses on building individual and collaborative musicianship skills through performing in varied genres and musical styles. Chosen students are strong, self-motivated vocalists and sight-singers who value ensemble rehearsal and performance. Bella Voce often performs at additional venues and programs throughout the year.