RAVENNA HIGH SCHOOL
CHORALMUSIC PROGRAM

Choral singing is one of the oldest forms of music. It has roots in the Middle Ages as church music evolving from mere chanting of texts to singing parts. From the Renaissance to the present, a rich heritage of both sacred and secular choral literature has evolved.

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The values of choral music study and performances in the high school are many:
1. First, choral participation provides for the development of aesthetic sensitivity and the expressive values of music. Studentsâ lives may be enriched and refined by contact, study and performance of choral music. Developing the sense for beauty in the arts is a major task of choral music education.
2. Since music is an integral and significant part of manâs culture, it is the schoolâs responsibility to assist young people to become more intelligent consumers of music. Through participation in the choral program, studentsâ individual tastes may be promoted and our cultural heritage transmitted.
3. Choral music has significant content to be mastered academically. In addition to vocal and sight singing skills, knowledge of styles, composers, theory, and general musicianship are stressed.

4. Choral singing also contributes to physical well being. Correct posture and proper-breathing techniques must be emphasized to develop a well-trained chorus.

5. Choral singing also serves as a wholesome outlet and expression of individual emotions. Music serves as an emotional outlet for self-expression and can help release tension and frustration.

6. Choral participation can help develop a sense of discipline and responsibility in students. Effective choral singing requires cooperation to achieve a common end.

7. Choral organizations provide a social vehicle whereby students may fulfill their need to belong to a group. Through cooperative group endeavor the chorus provides opportunity for democratic attitudes and wholesome channeling of interests.

8. Choral participation may well promote a vocational or avocational interest in music. A small percentage of school choral singers will elect music as a career area in performing, teaching, or related fields. After high school graduation, many singers will continue to participate in choral singing through mediums of church choirs, college choirs, community choirs, and professional choruses.