PVA Vocal 

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To learn more about our application process and audition requirements for PVA Vocal, click this link: Application Process

To go directly to the digital application, click this link: Digital Application Link 

Once you have submitted your digital application, you will receive an automatic email response with links prompting you to sign up for an audition/interview.

Interviews/auditions will be scheduled during the school day from January 23-25, 2024.

Late applications will be considered if there is room in the program. 

Students who are not designated to Central Memorial High School but want to be considered for the PVA program are required to go through the CBE High School Transfer Request Process between Feb-March, 2024 after they apply and interview/audition for the program. Students who submit a request for transfer but who have not applied and interviewed will not be be granted a transfer to Central Memorial High School.

Questions regarding the PVA application/registration process or our Fine & Performing Arts programming can be sent to Fine Arts Learning Leader, Michelle Crimmins:  MLCrimmmins@cbe.ab.ca

PVA Vocal Program Overview

The PVA Vocal Program offers a variety of ensemble and solo experience that focus on the development of singing skills and musicianship through the exploration of quality and diverse repertoire. Each ensemble participates in festivals, which in the past have included CBE Sings, Calgary Performing Arts Festival, Alberta Choralfest, Banff Rocky Mountain Festival and the Whistler Con Brio Music Festival. The PVA Vocal program is a place for students to develop their craft through a wide range of repertoire while exploring who they are as a musician and collaborator. All ensembles are full-year, five-credit courses.

PVA Choral Music & PVA General Music 10 - 20 - 30

PVA Vocal students have daily timetabled classes where they focus on advancing vocal techniques and musical development. This class includes all auditioned vocal students in Grades 10-12. PVA Vocal students are welcomed into a space of positive mentorship with like-minded and dedicated musicians who support and empower each other. The Vocal PVA class is timetabled at the same time as PVA Strings and PVA Band to provide unique opportunities for students to collaborate on solo and chamber music performance, develop musical fluency literacy and creativity, and dive deep into their personal musical development.

PVA music students make meaningful connections with the musical community through interactions with real artists in their discipline. Students experience exciting residencies, guest artist visits, and scheduled private lessons on their instrument. PVA students will enjoy the benefits of partnerships with Mount Royal Conservatory, The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Opera, and other professional musical organizations in Calgary and beyond.

Concert Choir In Concert Choir, students develop their aural skills through the study and performance of music from several time periods and styles. This choir is designed to challenge and broaden students’ understanding of choral and ensemble repertoire through focused vocal techniques. The ensemble is open to all students grades 10-12 who wish to be part of a musical ensemble, regardless of prior experience. The Concert Choir performs at major musical events throughout the year. Expert instruction and a strong sense of community will help all prospective singers become confident members of the Concert Choir by our first performance.

Vocal Jazz The Vocal Jazz ensemble explores the world of chamber jazz music and a cappella voicing. It is an auditioned ensemble to support those who want to develop their musicianship, collaboration, mic technique, and improvisation skills. Vocal Jazz has multiple performance opportunities throughout the year. This family of singers works closely together to understand vocal jazz technique and support a strong community.

Vocal FAQ

• Are PVA music students required to take private lessons? It is strongly recommended that PVA music students study privately with a professional instructor. This experience will facilitate strong foundational skills necessary in developing independence and confidence. Students will have a short series of private lessons each semester as part of their course-work in both PVA Band and PVA Bridging, and it is encouraged to continue those lessons beyond the time provided to further develop your strengths.
• What time commitment is required to be a PVA music student? Music students typically attend one to three morning or after school rehearsals per week. In addition, Jazz Ensembles and Vocal Jazz meet before school two or three times per week and those programs are by audition only. Music students perform at several concerts and events and tour each year. Tours take place in the province, within Canada, or internationally.
• When do PVA music students take Leadership in the Arts 35? All PVA Music 30 students are required to complete Leadership in the Arts 35 in order to receive their CBE Fine & Performing Arts Certificate. This course is delivered in conjunction with PVA classes throughout your high school career, so that you have a full portfolio of work to prepare you for a life rich with music beyond high school, whether you choose to pursue music at post-secondary or not. Students will interview professional musicians, attend workshops and performances, develop a list of performance repertoire, study privately, develop a personal portfolio, and complete a final exit interview. These courses are not scheduled into the timetable, but updates and teacher led content will occur throughout the courses.

• Are there opportunities for PVA Vocal students to perform solos? Solos within choir pieces are selected through in-class auditions. In addition to these opportunities, all PVA students perform in a solo recital each spring.