Vocal Music
Fine Arts Graduation Requirement: Three Credits total from the fine arts (art, music, and/or drama)
We believe that music is basic to the human experience and an integral part of a complete education. All students, regardless of ability, should have an opportunity to participate in music and develop their individual talents. By balancing skill acquisition with artistic expression, we strive to help each student maximize his or her musical potential. Students' involvement in music making fosters life skills such as leadership ability, self-discipline, problem solving, cooperation and community building. The ultimate goal of the Mounds Park Academy Music Department is to cultivate within our students a lifelong appreciation and commitment to music.
Courses Offered
Course offerings are contingent on MPA policies regarding student enrollment numbers for each class.Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: Audition
Credit: .5
Numbering between fifty and sixty students, Concert Choir is the largest vocal ensemble at MPA. Studying music for advanced mixed choirs, singers receive instruction in vocal technique, ear-training, music literacy, and performance practice. Through large group rehearsals and small group voice lessons, students demonstrate their knowledge of choral music notation, master their vocal part, improve their vocal technique, sing with greater expression, and work collaboratively. Public concerts are held three times a year to showcase the choir’s progress.
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisites: Audition
Credits: .5
Madrigal Singers is the most select choir at MPA. Students must be concurrently enrolled in Concert Choir. Madrigal Singers study and perform an array of choral music including Western Art Music (from the Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic eras), World Music, and Contemporary Music. As members of a small, mixed ensemble, students demonstrate vocal leadership, an ability to sing their vocal part independently, a heightened awareness of musical interdependence, improved vocal techniques, strong sight-reading and aural skills, and enhanced expression. Performances include three concerts and other special appearances in school and in the community.
Grades: 9-10
Prerequisites: Recommendation of Choir Teacher
Credit: .5
The love of singing continues to be explored in Upper School. In this non-auditioned group, Panther Choir members receive instruction in vocal technique, ear-training, music literacy, and the ability to sing expressively. Students study a variety of choral music that is specifically written for developing mixed ensembles (soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone). Via the classroom and public performances, students demonstrate mastery of their choral part and how to function within an ensemble.