The Ensembles
Women’s Chorale
Women’s Chorus is comprised of 9th through 12th grade women, primarily those who are new to chorus at Dr. Phillips HS. No audition is required to join this class. It consists of fundamental vocal technique, ensemble skills, basic music literacy, and ear training through the preparation and performance of a variety of appropriate repertoire. The Women’s Chorale rehearses as a class 1st period every school day and performs at several concerts and assessments throughout the year. Private voice lessons are encouraged for all members of the Women’s Chorale.
Women’s Chamber Choir
The Women’s Chamber Choir is comprised of 9th through 12th grade ladies. Admission to this ensemble is at the discretion of the director. It consists of intermediate vocal technique, ensemble skills, music literacy, and ear training through the preparation and performance of a variety of appropriate repertoire. Women’s Chamber Choir rehearses as a class 4th period every school day and performs at several concerts and assessments throughout the year. Private voice lessons are encouraged for all members of Women’s Chamber Choir.
Men’s Chorale
The Men’s Chorale is comprised of 9th through 12th grade men. No audition is required to join this class. It consists of fundamental, developing, and advanced vocal technique, ensemble skills, music literacy, and ear training through the preparation and performance of a variety of appropriate repertoire, from Renaissance to Contemporary styles. The Men’s Chorale rehearses as a class 5th period every school day. In addition, members of this ensemble are expected to attend an after school rehearsal once per week, every Tuesday. This ensemble performs at several concerts and assessments throughout the year. Private voice lessons are strongly encouraged for all members of the Men’s Chorale.
Cora Bella
Cora Bella is comprised of 10th through 12th grade ladies who are advanced level singers. Membership is by audition only. This ensemble practices more challenging musicianship skills, ear training, and music literacy. Building on developing vocal technique, Cora Bella sings a wide variety of repertoire, from Renaissance to Contemporary styles. Cora Bella rehearses as a class every school day during 5th period. In addition, members of this ensemble are expected to attend an after school rehearsal once per week, every Tuesday. Private voice lessons are strongly encouraged for all members of this ensemble.
Concert Choir
The Concert Choir is comprised of all members of Cora Bella and the Men’s Chorale, as well as auditioned singers from other Performing Arts disciplines at DPHS. In addition to building more advanced vocal technique, ensemble skills, music literacy, and ear training, this choir performs a variety of advanced repertoire during the school year. The Concert Choir rehearses after school every Tuesday and performs at several concerts and assessments throughout the year.
Premier/ Chamber Choir
Premier is an elite ensemble consisting of 10th through 12th grade men, and 11th and 12th grade women. Membership is by audition only. Often representing Dr. Phillips High School throughout the community, Premier performs extensively throughout the school year. Premier rehearses on Mondays from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm, and Thursdays from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. These singers work on advanced level ear training, music literacy, and vocal technique through preparation and performance of an extensive amount of challenging repertoire. Participation in Concert Choir is required to be a member of Premier. Premier performs a wide variety of repertoire, from Renaissance to Contemporary styles, including pop, Broadway, and vocal jazz. Members of this ensemble are expected to occasionally learn dance choreography. Voice lessons are expected for all members of Premier.
This is an enrichment class designed for VPA voice magnet students. Students will learn about topics such as performance techniques, voice types, professional singers, art song repertoire, careers in music, vocal health, anatomy of the voice, how to practice, stage fright, the International Phonetic Alphabet, ornamentation, and authentic performance practice. This class will also provide extra opportunities to perform solo literature.