Prairie's Concert Choir consists of singers in grades 10-12. Concert Choir rehearses and performs a varied repertoire of music throughout the year. The curriculum includes techniques for healthy singing including good intonation, tone and diction, sight-reading skills, musical terms, notation and symbols. Additionally, Concert Choir focuses on music literacy skills, solfege, and music theory. In order to advance out of Concert Choir, students must pass a theory assessment at 90% or above. They must also pass a vocal benchmark assessment that includes singing various scales and patterns on solfege. These assessments test the skills that are taught throughout the course.
Ad Lucem
Ad Lucem is our treble choir consisting of sopranos and altos in grades 10-12. Membership is selected through an audition process conducted in the spring. Members of Ad Lucem strive to continue to develop vocally through a varied repertoire of challenging music. Singers also have the opportunity to pursue the All-State Choir audition process, and the newest members of the program develop music literacy skills.
Concert Chorale
Concert Chorale is comprised of singers in grades 11-12 and performs a varied repertoire throughout the school year. In order to be selected for Concert Chorale, students must pass a theory assessment at 90% or above. They must also pass a vocal benchmark assessment that includes singing various scales and patterns on solfege, complete a brief audition, and sight-sing. Singers in Concert Chorale continue to develop their vocal technique and production skills by rehearsing a wide variety of musical styles. Members utilize sight-reading and solfege skills in order to rehearse the advanced literature that is programmed. Additionally, Concert Chorale focuses on music listening and analyzing skills. In the fall, Concert Chorale rehearses the Iowa All-State Choir literature.
Chamber Choir
Chamber Choir is Prairie's most advanced and select choral ensemble. This choir begins second semester and performs collegiate-level choral literature. Students are invited to join Chamber Choir based on their participation in the All-State Choir audition process. Students' readiness for Chamber Choir is also assessed through their participation and performance in Concert Chorale, Ad Lucem, and Concert Choir. Chamber Choir also explores vocal jazz literature and a cappella pop as part of their performance at Curtain Call.
