Music is not only a wonderful method of self-expression; it is also an area where a number of unmusical factors are enhanced: critical thinking, self-discipline, cooperation, analysis, creating, concentration, and integration of other areas of study. Music students consistently score 10-20 points higher on his/her SAT tests in the verbal and math. Music Rocks!

Choir has various concerts throughout the school year:

• October - Middle and High School choirs

• November - Festival of the Arts choir

• December - Holiday community performances

• January - Elementary and High School Choirs

• February and March - WA state choral festivals

• April - All State festivals- CBC Jazz

• May - Choral festivals in Canada

•  June - Graduation

• Students are always preparing for school, state, or community concerts

• Choirs sing for L.C. Reunions and Civic Theatre

Instructional Goals

The purpose of the secondary choral music instructional program is to fill a need for the student who possesses some or little knowledge of vocal music for his/her personal pleasure or avocation; who plans on majoring in choral music in college, or who wishes vocal facility as a basic for further study of other musical instruments.

 Attention must be given to the vocal problems inherent in the young voice and exercises should be used to ensure proper vocal technique. The vocal mechanism is unique and extremely sensitive and any misuse could result in physical damage to the voice. Vocal instructors shall constantly check for a free, resonant, and correctly placed tone.

 Certain choral techniques are basic and should be taught and or reinforced at all levels. These include: Good posture both sitting and standing: Proper breathing for adequate breath management and control: Continual growth in good diction, including legato sustaining of pure vowels.

Sight-reading shall be uniform throughout the program. All levels shall utilize the solfeggio method using movable do. All levels shall concentrate on daily exercises to improve sight-reading facility. Basic musical theory shall be implemented at all levels of choral music instruction. At the beginner level, emphasis shall be placed in note identification by syllable, letter name and determining its rhythmic value and correctly singing it intervallically. At the intermediate level, theory will progress to the recognition of key signatures, time signatures, note identification and chord recognition. Theory at the advanced level should cover intervals that are more difficult, modulation and analysis.

Performance is a natural sequence to classroom preparation. Large group, small ensemble and solo performance opportunities should be available to all participants. Student progress will include written and performance based evaluations on regular basis.

General Philosophy

Students enrolled for membership in the LC choral program are asked to continue the long-standing tradition of concert and competition excellence. Enrollment in this organization carries with it responsibilities that each student and parent/guardian must accept to maintain this tradition of choral excellence. Students will be encouraged to participate to the best of their ability on a daily basis. All choral members will be treated with respect, courtesy and with consideration to the various levels of development within the group. Students will follow the Lewis and Clark guidelines for successful behavior as outlined in the school handbook. Choral members will address each other politely at all times.

All students and parents/guardians are given a pledge agreement to sign as to choral responsibilities both behaviorally and financially.

Students in the organization represent themselves, their families, their school, and the members of the LC choral program past, present, and future. One student who is ill-prepared can invalidate weeks of rehearsal and spoil a performance. We hope the singers will have fun, enjoy the friendships, and enjoy the music! In order to accomplish this, we expect the singers to be prepared and be there!

Parents Organization

The choral department has an active parents group that meets on every third Tuesday in the choir room at 7pm. This organization is responsible for planning and organizing fundraisers and assisting with social activities. The success of the choral program is a direct result of the time and effort of this group.