The SJASD Senior Choir is one of our three divisional choirs.  It has developed a reputation of being one of Manitoba’s premier youth choirs, having received numerous awards and accolades over the years.

Membership in this choir gives singers the opportunity to develop their potential for musical excellence, and to meet and work with other talented musicians in the school division.  Singers in this group enjoy rehearsing and performing a wide variety of music.  In addition to having fun they also work very hard.  For this reason, the choir consists of highly motivated and self-disciplined singers.  It is expected that students may have to spend some time working on their parts independently outside of rehearsal time.  Being part of a band program and / or taking private instrumental / voice lessons is an asset.

The choir maintains approximately 55 members in Grades 9 - 12.  Its season runs from September to May.  Rehearsals for the Senior Choir take place at Collège Sturgeon Heights Collegiate, 2665 Ness Avenue, on Wednesdays from 4:15 – 6:00 p.m.  The first rehearsal will be Wednesday, September 4.

We are planning to go to Camp Cedarwood from September 18 - 20.

In order to support our pursuit of musical excellence, it is expected that all choristers will make a year-long commitment to the choir, as well as singing in their home school choirs.  Singers and parents are asked to support this policy.  Regular attendance at all practices and performances is required to develop a unified sound and a feeling of belonging to the group.  Our music is challenging, our practices are only once a week, and our singers are from different schools.  Choristers missing a practice must have a valid reason, provided in writing (email) by a parent or guardian.  Being a member of the Divisional Choir is a privilege.  If for any reason students are not meeting expectations, in terms of attendance, behaviour, work ethic, or musicianship, either in the Divisional Choir or in their school choir, parents will be notified and membership in the Senior Choir will be reviewed.

The cost to belong to this choir for this year is $250.00 (non-refundable). This fee covers the two night stay (including all meals and activities) at Camp Cedarwood, care and dry-cleaning of choir uniforms, sheet music, honourariums for section leaders, social events such as year-end parties, Candlelight and Cabaret expenses, and other administrative costs.

Uniform:

Option 1:  The student wears a black, floor-length skirt and a blue top; both will be provided by the choir organization. The student must provide their own black tights or hose, black dress shoes with covered toes, and a black camisole undergarment.

Option 2:  The student wears a blue necktie, provided by the choir organization. The student must provide their own black dress pants (not 100% cotton or corduroy), black socks, black dress shoes, and a long-sleeved black collared dress shirt (not 100% cotton) with black buttons. Please take care to ensure that pants and shirts are not faded.

Performances:

Choir performances throughout the year will include ChoralFest (November), the Winnipeg Music Festival (March), and four Divisional Choir concerts throughout the year (November, December Candlelight, April Cabaret, and May final concert).  Invitations to perform at other events will be considered and chosen at the director’s discretion.  We are planning a large spring trip and there will be opportunities for fundraising throughout the year in preparation for this.  

Senior Choir Auditions will take place in person at Sturgeon Heights Collegiate on May 14, 15, and 17.  If you wish to audition, please follow these steps:

1. Sign up for a 10 minute audition time at this link:  https://www.sjasdchoirs.ca/senior/
2. Fill out an application form below
3. Prepare for your audition:

*** Please note that returning students do not have to re-audition, but must indicate to Ms. AG, by May 14 if they wish to continue with the choir.

Audition Process:

The audition procedure may be audio / video recorded and will consist of any / all of the following:
 Warm up exercises (to determine range and vocal consistency throughout the range)
 Melodic sing-backs (echoing)
 Sight-reading
- a rhythmic line (be able to clap and count out loud)
- a melodic line (sing the line on “loo” after given the starting pitch)
 Singing a prepared selection of your OWN CHOICE.  I want to hear your voice and see your style / energy.  For your audition, feel free to bring sheet music or a track that you can sing along with. I am looking for quality performances with evidence of preparation.
 Singing “O Canada” acapella, to demonstrate your best choral tone.
 Singing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" as a canon with Ms. AG, to show vocal independence.

Audition results will be sent to students’ home addresses in mid-June. 

Your support of this program is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Director Contact Information
Avonlea Armstrong-Green
avonlea.armstrongg@sjasd.ca