Vocal

Chorissima is the concert, recording, and touring ensemble of the San Francisco Girls Chorus, and is conducted by Artistic Director Susan McMane. The dedicated young artists of the ensemble, ages 12-18 years old, present a season concert series in the San Francisco Bay Area, tour nationally and internationally, and appear annually with renowned artistic partners, such as San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Symphony. Membership in Chorissima is by audition, after graduation from the Chorus School.

Emphasis is placed on more complex and challenging music, in addition to more demanding expectations for the refinement of sight-singing skills. Comprehension and vocalizing of musical phrasing is more complex at this level. Vocal technique is expected to become more consistent, and greater agility and practice are necessary to hear and learn music in more foreign languages. There are high expectations for the development of chorister independence in work ethic and also in rehearsal techniques.

Level III extends the challenging program of music repertoire, musical concepts, and performing experiences. The expectations and personal responsibility of choristers are increased, the training is more intensive, and the rewards become more fulfilling. Choristers are exposed to an expanded three-part repertoire in two to three additional languages and more advanced concepts of choral singing are introduced. Choristers who work conscientiously in Level III should have little difficulty in progressing toward the standards that are required for advancement to Level IV.

Level III extends the challenging program of music repertoire, musical concepts, and performing experiences. The expectations and personal responsibility of choristers are increased, the training is more intensive, and the rewards become more fulfilling. Choristers are exposed to an expanded three-part repertoire in two to three additional languages and more advanced concepts of choral singing are introduced. Choristers who work conscientiously in Level III should have little difficulty in progressing toward the standards that are required for advancement to Level IV.

Level II offers a greater diversity in individual attentiveness, repertoire, vocal skills, theory requirements, and performance demands. To enter Level II, choristers must demonstrate basic vocal and musical competence, and additionally they must master elementary sight-singing concepts and skills. At this level, choristers learn to be more confident and more independent in their work. Rehearsal concentration and performance demands are increased in Level II.

Level II offers a greater diversity in individual attentiveness, repertoire, vocal skills, theory requirements, and performance demands. To enter Level II, choristers must demonstrate basic vocal and musical competence, and additionally they must master elementary sight-singing concepts and skills. At this level, choristers learn to be more confident and more independent in their work. Rehearsal concentration and performance demands are increased in Level II.

Level I provides the foundation for progress and development in the Chorus School. Attention span and quiet concentration are a point of focus, as well as practice and development in vocal technique and theory. Working goals are aimed toward both areas: the need to learn important musical basics and the need to learn to work together as a group.

Level I provides the foundation for progress and development in the Chorus School. Attention span and quiet concentration are a point of focus, as well as practice and development in vocal technique and theory. Working goals are aimed toward both areas: the need to learn important musical basics and the need to learn to work together as a group.

Students are introduced to unison choral music and beginning vocal technique. Repertoire selection encompasses a wide variety of genres, including classical, folk, sacred, secular, and multicultural. Singers will take first steps in reading from a choral octavo, increasing their ability to read both words and music. Students build listening and memory skills through weekly practice, and develop confidence and stage presence in preparation for their final performance.

Students are introduced to unison choral music and beginning vocal technique. Repertoire selection encompasses a wide variety of genres, including classical, folk, sacred, secular, and multicultural. Singers will take first steps in reading from a choral octavo, increasing their ability to read both words and music. Students build listening and memory skills through weekly practice, and develop confidence and stage presence in preparation for their final performance.