oak bay choral program 2024-2025
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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 per 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 three concert choirs: Concert Choir, Bella Voce and Chamber Choir. A combined Concert Choir meets outside the timetable. Bella Voce (Block B) and Chamber Choir (F) 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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COMBINED CONCERT CHOIR (outside the timetable)
This is a mixed choir for students in grades 9 through 12 (we have traditionally separated the juniors and seniors), and meets regularly outside the timetable. All singers attend rehearsals on Monday 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 lunch to sing in Men’s Choir (Grades 9→12). |
CHAMBER CHOIR
Meets in Semester 2 (typically in Block F) This is an auditioned ensemble that meets in the timetable in Block F. 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. |
BELLA VOCE (CONCERT CHOIR)
Meets in Semester 1 (typically in Block B) Bella Voce means “Beautiful Voice”. This choir is for students in grades 9 through 12 and meets within the timetable in Block B. 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 the combined Concert Choir). All 3 jazz 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!
Sign up: Students wanting to sing in Vocal Jazz do not sign up for a specific vocal jazz ensemble. Choose “Vocal Jazz 10”, “Vocal Jazz 11”, or “Vocal Jazz 12” according to your grade level. Jazz Express is open to all students, while auditions for Jazz à Latté and Jazz Wave occur in June.
*Junior students who plan on singing in choir next year, but didn’t sign-up because they didn’t have enough spaces on their course form for outside the timetable classes are asked to see Mrs. Tina to have their name added to the course.
Sign up: Students wanting to sing in Vocal Jazz do not sign up for a specific vocal jazz ensemble. Choose “Vocal Jazz 10”, “Vocal Jazz 11”, or “Vocal Jazz 12” according to your grade level. Jazz Express is open to all students, while auditions for Jazz à Latté and Jazz Wave occur in June.
*Junior students who plan on singing in choir next year, but didn’t sign-up because they didn’t have enough spaces on their course form for outside the timetable classes are asked to see Mrs. Tina to have their name added to the course.
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JAZZ EXPRESS
This is a mixed ensemble, typically with students from grades 9 through 12. 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 is typically additional community concerts. |
JAZZ-À-LATTÉ
This is an auditioned, intermediate-advanced level, mixed ensemble. It typically consists of students from grades 9 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. |