Artwork by Mindie Armas, c/o 2019
Main Renaissance Website
CHOIR
Chorale is a beginning vocal ensemble for mixed voices. It is the choir in which most freshmen and any students without an audition participate. Chorale performs in three concerts each year.
Treble Singers is an intermediate level choir for treble voices. This audition-based ensemble participates in three concerts and a spring festival each year.
Chambers Singers is an advanced-level ensemble for mixed voices. This audition-based group is typically comprised of upperclassmen. Chamber Singers participates in at least three concerts each year in addition to various on- and off-campus events, gigs, and festivals.
Artwork by Nova Sandoval, c/o 2020
VOCAL JAZZ
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Renaissance's two vocal jazz ensembles, Modulation and Take Note, are audition-based groups for mixed and treble voices, respectively. Each ensemble contains no more than 14 of the top vocal musicians from Renaissance. Both groups participate in 3-4 concerts each year in addition to many on- and off-campus events, gigs, and festivals.
Artwork by Nova Sandoval, c/o 2020
AUDITIONS
All students planning to participate in vocal music are strongly encouraged to complete an audition. No preparation is required for the audition, however students hoping to place in a higher-level ensemble can practice the skills listed below.
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Vocalization (Vocal Warm Ups)
Students will warm-up on a neutral syllable to demonstrate their vocal range and tone quality. During an in-person audition, this will take place live with piano accompaniment. The best way to practice for this part of the audition is to sing warm ups regularly and focus on having a pure, round tone.
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Tonal Memory
Tonal memory, or "aural recall," is the ability to remember a specific tone or series of tones after hearing them and repeating those tones vocally (think "repeat after me"). Students will hear a series of 4-5 pitches on the piano and sing them back to the teacher on a neutral syllable. The best way to practice this skill is with a musicianship/tonal memory app or with a YouTube video. See the links below for resources.
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Sight-Singing
Sight-Singing or sight-reading is the ability to read sheet music without the assistance of a piano or other instrument. Students will be given a notated four-bar melody to read. They will be given a starting pitch and have up to 90 seconds to read over the melody and practice to themselves before they sing it for the teacher. Students are welcome to sing on a neutral syllable or on solfège syllables.
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Students that do not have experience reading music--please don't panic! The sight-singing portion of the audition is only to see where your music-reading abilities are currently and do not make or break your audition. If you have no experience reading sheet music, you can just let Ms. Dowell know and you can skip this section.