DHS Department of Choral Arts
The Duluth choirs have a long tradition of excellence in the state of Georgia and abroad. They have performed throughout metropolitan Atlanta, New York City, New York; Nashville, Tennessee; Disney World, Orlando, Florida; and The Grand Bahama Islands as well as six international concert tours throughout Europe. Each year the choirs participate in the Georgia Music Educator’s Association State Large Group Performance Evaluation where they consistently receive the top ratings of “Superior”. Duluth is also very well represented in the GMEA All-State Choirs, Honors Choruses and GHSA Music Literary events yearly.
   

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Course Syllabus and Co-curricular Activity Description

The Department of Choral Arts is open to all students enrolled at Duluth High School who have a desire to learn, a great work ethic and a positive attitude. A placement interview and audition is required for a place in our department.

Students and parents should understand that chorus is a performing arts class that requires student’s participation in rehearsals and performances scheduled outside of, and in addition to regular daily class meetings. Each student is expected to read the choral handbook online and print and sign the acceptance letter to be turned in to Mr. Smith for a grade.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Classes, rehearsals and performances are designed to enable students to:

  1. Develop skills in choral music performance: vocal production, voice/breath control, dynamic contrast, phrasing, rhythmic accuracy, correct musical interpretation and performance of various musical styles, and general musicianship techniques.
  2. Demonstrate an increasing degree of self-discipline, work ethic, and responsibility within the DHS choral family.
  3. Develop a functional music sight-reading ability and an increased music vocabulary.
  4. Become more aware of their musical heritage through the study and performance of a variety of musical styles.
  5. Participate enthusiastically in group musical experiences.
  6. Master the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) for the class

*To view the detailed AKS for choral classes, click here: AKS

EVALUATION OF STUDENT PROGRESS:

Concerts = 40%

Rehearsals after school = 15%

Substitute Teacher assignments = 10%

*Written Exams =15% (includes daily sponge activity)

  *Sponge Activity: Entails writing down the daily rhythms on the board and their appropriate counts as well as any new announcements. This counts as a major test grades.
Skills Exams = 15%
Final Exam = 5%

A chorus performs as it rehearses. Sloppy and undisciplined rehearsals result in sloppy and undisciplined performances. Anything that detracts from the learning process in a rehearsal will be dealt with immediately.

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Greg S. Smith, Director of Choral Activities | Jason Lane, Principal, Duluth High School, 3737 Brock Rd. Duluth, GA 30096, (770)232-3354
Greg_smith@gwinnett.k12.ga.us