The choral program at Sylvania Northview High School consists of six choirs, four of which are taken as classes during the day: A Cappella Choir, Symphonic Choir, NV Chorus, and Harmony Road Show. The A Cappella Choir splits into the Men’s Chorus and the Women’s Chorus.
The A Cappella Choir is an auditioned mixed voiced choir (men and women) in grades 10 through 12. Auditions for the A Cappella Choir are held in the early spring for the following school year. The A Cappella Choir performs some of the most challenging literature from the choral repertoire and consistently scores excellent and superior ratings at OMEA state-level adjudicated events.
The Choir meets during regular class time five days a week. In addition, students are expected to attend Sectional Rehearsals at times set by the section leaders.
During even numbered years, the A Cappella Choir performs a “Madrigal Dinner Concert” in December. Choir members dress in full Renaissance costumes and perform Baroque, Renaissance, and Medieval holiday music.
During non-Madrigal years, the A Cappella Choir performs on tour. A Cappella Tour is both a highlight for the students and a way to have 4-6 days of intense performing as preparation for District and State Contest. Tour combines a challenging performance schedule with sightseeing and cultural events. March and April/May are contest months, with the A Cappella Choir participating in the OMEA District Contest. By scoring a “1”, the choir advances to State Competition. May features the Spring Concert with all of the Northview Choirs.
In addition to the traditional concerts, the A Cappella Choir is frequently invited to sing with other professional musicians and at community functions. The A Cappella Choir has performed with the Toledo Symphony, Cincinnati Opera, BGSU’s & UT’s Choirs and for the Sylvania Rotary and Chamber of Commerce. In any given year, the A Cappella Choir performs several additional concerts by invitation.
The Northview Symphonic Choir was created in the 2001-2002 school year, as a result of the growth of the vocal music department. This mid-level auditioned mixed choir is composed of students in grades 9-12. The Symphonic Choir performs moderately difficult music ranging from classical to spirituals and novelty numbers. Throughout the year, Symphonic Choir members focus on honing their sight-reading skills and developing solid vocal technique.
The Chorus traditionally performs in shared concerts with the A Cappella Choir and Harmony Road Show in October, December, March, and May. In addition, Symphonic Choir competes in District contest and also goes to State Competition if a score of “1” is achieved at District Contest.
The Northview Chorus has been added to the schedule for the 2011-2012 academic year. This non-performance class is open to all students in grades 9-12 wishing to learn basic vocal techniques and focuses on developing solid musicianship through singing. If students are interested in performing throughout the year, the instructor and student can seek performance opportunities throughout the community. Although the group is not required to perform at concerts or competition, daily class participation and individual improvement are expected from each student.
The A Cappella Men’s and A Cappella Women’s Choruses are comprised of male and female members of the A Cappella Choir. The Men’s Chorus and the Women’s Chorus learn musical literature written for soprano/alto choirs (Women’s Chorus) or tenor/bass choirs (Men’s Chorus.) The A Cappella Men's and Women's Choruses often perform at OMEA adjudicated events.
Specializing in vocal jazz, Harmony Road Show (“HRS”) is a mixed voice audition-only group of 16 singers. Membership must be concurrent with membership in A Cappella Choir. Students learn jazz performance techniques as they sing into their own microphone. They are expected to learn about vocal sound technology and tech set-up of speakers and microphones in various performance venues. HRS performs by invitation at many community functions, at choir concerts, and with the Northview Jazz Band in the spring. The Harmony Roadshow has performed and workshopped with members of M-Pact, Up-in-the-Air, New York Voices, and vocal jazz/vocal pop professionals from around the world. Members are encouraged to check out the BGSU New York Voices vocal jazz camp in August.
© 2013 Sylvania Northview Choral Activities Program