CHOIR - COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Choral Music 10/20/30
is a combined level vocal class held during the timetable in the first semester. Here we focus on developing our overall musical ability to be applied in one of our choirs. We do this through learning how to use our voice, appreciating different styles and genres of music from the past and present, learning how to read music and training our ear to make our voice do what we want it to. We also get to perform for each other in small ensembles during class and view and critique a traditional musical. You get 5 credits for doing this. We hope you continue for all 3 years to build on your skills.
Concert Choir 15/25/35
is a combined level non-auditioned performance choir class that practices once a week after school for most of the school year. We divide into sections (soprano, alto or baritone) and rotate these practices once a week before school. This group is open to grade 10’s, 11’s and 12’s with no singing experience expected. We sing entry level repertoire in 3 and occasionally 4 parts. The students sing different styles of music preparing to perform the songs together. The plan is that you will become a better singer and musician, learning from, and helping each other. We get to perform in concerts, festivals and work with clinicians in workshops. Some of these are in our school and some at other locations in the city. You get 5 credits for doing this. We hope you continue for all 3 years to build on your skills.
Chamber Choir 25/35
is a combined level auditioned performance choir class that practices once a week after school for most of the school year. We divide into sections (soprano, alto, tenor or bass) and rotate these practices once a week before school for most of the school year. The members are grade 11 and 12’s who have proven to have the ability (and interest) to sing more demanding repertoire and perform more often. This takes more commitment. The students sing different styles of music preparing to perform the songs together. The plan is that you will become a better singer and musician, learning from, and helping each other. We get to perform in concerts, festivals and work with clinicians in workshops. Some of these are in our school and some at other locations in the city. You get 5 credits for doing this. We hope you continue for all 3 years to build on your skills.
Vocal Jazz Choir 15/25/35
is a combined level non-auditioned (space is limited so auditions may happen) performance choir class that practices once a week after school for most of the school year. We divide into sections (soprano, alto or baritone) and rotate these practices once a week before school for most of the school year. This group is open to grade 10’s, 11’s and 12’s that are also part of one other performance choir. The repertoire focuses on jazz and jazz/pop styles. The plan is that you will become a better singer and musician applying different singing techniques to a different genre. We get to perform in concerts, festivals and work with clinicians in workshops. Some of these are in our school and some at other locations in the city. You get 5 credits for doing this. We hope you continue for all 3 years to build on your skills.
Guys Ensemble
is a non-auditioned performance group that practices once a week before or after school and one noon hour every week. It is treated as a term class (not all semester). This group is open to grade 10, 11 and 12 guys. Usually the guys are in a choir but some just like to sing. Some take it for 5 credit others not. Either way, a lot of fun is had. The students sing different styles of music preparing to perform the songs together. The plan is that you will become a better singer and musician, learning from, and helping each other. We get to perform in concerts and festivals.
Girls Ensemble
is a non-auditioned performance group that practices once a week before or after school and one noon hour every week. It is treated as a term class (not all semester). This group is open to grade 10, 11 and 12 girls. Usually the girls are in a choir but some just like to sing. Some take it for 5 credit others not. Either way, a lot of fun is had. The students sing different styles of music preparing to perform the songs together. The plan is that you will become a better singer and musician, learning from, and helping each other. We get to perform in concerts and festivals.
Note - The Choral 10/20/30 classes are designed to be taken simultaneously with Concert Choir 15/25/35 or Chamber Choir 25/35. That means, especially in grade 10 you take Choral Music 10 and Concert Choir 15. The same applies in grade 11 and 12.
Mr. Laurie Schwartz - Instructor
Mr. Laurie Schwartz holds Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Manitoba. He has taught all grade levels from K-12 including a small stint at the college level.
Mr. Schwartz has also worked full and part time as a church Music Director in Winnipeg and Calgary, leading and participating in worship bands and overseeing seasonal choir and drama productions. He has also had opportunity to direct music and choirs at church conferences across Canada.
Mr. Schwartz is an experienced choral singer and has sung in numerous church choirs and the Winnipeg Singers, an auditioned Chamber Choir that has recorded and toured internationally. He currently sings with the Westwinds Choral Ensemble, an auditioned group that is part of the Westwinds Music Society. Laurie’s passion as a choir teacher is to help choirs discover a path to improving vocal technique, musical literacy, and presenting expressive and inspiring performances of quality choral music.
In his spare time he watches too much T.V., bugs his 3 kids and pretends to be a hockey player. He also holds a deep held conviction that 70’s/80’s rock music is the best.
