Fine Arts - Chorus
Chamber Ensemble
This small ensemble, chosen for their vocal blend, meets daily for in-depth study of the music they will perform. Not only do these students explore theory, history and sight-singing in class, but they also take their own time to further analyze their music. Chamber Ensemble will attend local festivals as well as one in which they travel. Audition is required for this Ensemble which accepts students in grades 10-12. Taught by Mrs. Ripley.Anything Goes
Our girls show choir consisting of sophomores-seniors at James River is fortunate to work with an award-winning choreographer as they prepare their show for competition. For the 2003-2004 school year, Anything Goes will attend two local festivals/competitions and one in which they travel. These ladies work daily to improve their theory and sight-singing skills and explore a variety of music genres. Taught by Mrs. Ripley.Current Edition
This mixed show choir of upper-classmen spends a great deal of time preparing their competition show. Working with a professional choreographer helps Current Edition members perform to the best of their ability. Current Edition will participate in two local festivals/competitions as well as a festival in which they must travel. In addition to its competition show, Current Edition members study a variety of music genres.Current Edition accepts boys in grades 9-12 and girls in grades 11-12 ("Anything Goes" girls show choir is a pre-requisite for girls who are auditioning for this class). Taught by Mrs. Ripley.Freshman Ensemble
For the 2003-2004 school year, there will be 2 sections of the freshman ensemble. All freshman girls interested in taking chorus are placed in these classes. Music theory and sight-singing are a part of the daily routine. Students will be exposed to a variety of musical styles and time periods. Freshmen will perform choreography to some of their music at the Pyramid and Spring Concerts. Taught by Mrs. Ripley.Jazzy Ladies
Although the primary musical focal point of this group is vocal jazz, the Jazzy Ladies will spend much of the fall singing music that is more classically oriented. Sight-singing and theory help the ladies hone their musical skills so that they can be prepared for the rhythmic and harmonic challenges of vocal jazz. The class consists of upper-class ladies who will attend two festivals/competitions during the 2003-2004 school year. Audition is required for this girls only class of 10-12th graders. Taught by Mrs. Childs.Madri Gal
This upperclass girl's ensemble primarily focuses on serious choral music throughout the year. In addition to their daily theory and sight-singing exercises, the Madri Gals will investigate music history and how it affects the music performances of today. They will attend one or two local festivals/competitions. Taught by Mrs. Ripley.Priority Male
This boys show choir consists of freshmen-senior males. The music explored will cover many time periods, from 16th century madrigals to 20th century pop. Priority Male will work with a professional choreographer to help them prepare for the competition show. Priority Male will participate in two local festivals/competitions as well as a festival in which they must travel. Taught by Mrs. Ripley.New Wave
Comprised of sophomore to senior girls and boys, New Wave will learn music from many eras. The focus will start with serious choral music from centuries past and progress to music from the present performed with choreography. Sight-singing and theory are part of the daily routine. This class will look awesome in their new outfits next year! Taught by Mrs. Childs.