oak bay choral program 2023-2023
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The Oak Bay Choral Program is a vibrant performance-based program that provides students the opportunity to explore the rich and varied world of choral music.
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Students have a minimum of four school-based concerts a year with possibly additional community performances and festivals.
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CONCERT CHOIR
Concert choir is the foundation of the choral program. There are four concert choirs: Junior Concert Choir, Senior Concert Choir, Bella Voce and Chamber Choir. Junior and Senior Concert Choir meet outside the timetable. Bella Voce and Chamber Choir meet inside the timetable. In concert choir, students perform a variety of choral music including classical, world music, folk, and gospel. Through the study of this rich body of music, students learn about music theory, music history, rehearsal and performance etiquette and the value of self-expression through music.
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JUNIOR CONCERT CHOIR
This is a mixed choir for students in grades 9 & 10, and meets regularly outside the timetable. All singers attend rehearsals on Tuesday and Thursday at lunch. Treble voices come on Thursday at 7:50am to sing in Melodia della Mattina (Grades 9→12). Men (changed/changing voices) come on Wednesday morning to sing in Men’s Choir (Grades 9→12). |
CHAMBER CHOIR
This is an auditioned ensemble that meets in the timetable. It is an upper level, advanced course for students with strong skills in voice technique, sight-reading and ensemble singing. Students in this class also must sing in a Concert Choir. |
SENIOR CONCERT CHOIR
This is a mixed choir for students in grades 11 and 12 and meets regularly outside the timetable. All singers attend rehearsals on Monday & Wednesday at lunch. Treble voices come on Thursday at 7:50am to sing in Melodia della Mattina (Grades 9→12). Men (changed/changing) come on Wednesday morning to sing in Men’s Choir (Grades 9→12). |
BELLA VOCE (CONCERT CHOIR)
Bella Voce means “Beautiful Voice”. This choir is for students in grades 9 through 12 and meets within the timetable. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore various forms of vocal music in a supportive and dynamic environment. The class performs at all 4 school concerts. Dolce Melodia is an auditioned small ensemble formed by Bella Voce singers. |
Vocal jazz
Oak Bay has three vocal jazz groups: Jazz Express, Jazz-à-Latté and Jazz Wave. In order to be in vocal jazz, students must also be in one concert choir (Bella Voce or Junior or Senior Concert Choir). All 3 ensembles meet outside the timetable. Students sing a variety of music including jazz, Latin, pop, musical, and rhythm & blues. Students sing with microphones on the sound system and with a rhythm section (piano, drums, bass and guitar). There are lots of solo opportunities in all three vocal jazz ensembles!
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JAZZ EXPRESS
This is a mixed ensemble, typically with students from grades 9 through 11. It provides an introduction to vocal jazz and there is no audition required. It is a high energy group and a great way to build confidence as a singer. Participation and attitude are the essentials in this ensemble. There will likely be additional community concerts. |
JAZZ-À-LATTÉ
This is an auditioned, intermediate-advanced level, mixed ensemble. It typically consists of students from grades 10 through 12. A strong commitment, vocal skills and consistent attendance is required for participation in this ensemble. This group is a high-profile group active in the community. |
JAZZ WAVE
This is an auditioned, advanced upper level, mixed ensemble. This group typically consists of students in grades 11 and 12. A strong commitment, vocal skills and consistent attendance is required for participation in this ensemble. This group is a high-profile group that performs at a variety of community events. |