Welcome to LSW.
I am so proud and honored to stand before you everyday as
your choir director. We all come from a rich and storied
background in choral music. It is my hope and my intention
to begin that framework at West starting today. I have
extremely high standards for you as a choral musician. A
standard that can only be met through hard work, dedication
and discipline. My passion is to enjoy life through music
and let that joy resound in the manner in which I teach.
-- Brian Hartman, Director
FRESHMAN WOMEN'S CHOIR
The freshman
Women's Choir is a select auditioned ensemble. A variety of
musical styles is presented. Work includes singing
exercises to build and strengthen the voice, improve
diction, breath support and resonance. Music Theory and
Music History are also included in daily instruction. Sight
singing technique is practiced on a daily basis. Additional
work includes singing in small ensembles, written tests,
singing tests, and required evening performances. Several
early morning rehearsals will also be required. This class
meets 3rd hour daily.
MEN'S CHOIR
The Men's Choir
is a select, auditioned ensemble of men grades 9-12. The
curriculum is designed to help young singers understand and
develop the changing male voice, ear-training, sight
singing skills, and competency in reading three and four
part voicing. A variety of musical styles is presented.
Work includes singing exercises to build, strengthen, and
carefully guide the voice through its change to improve
diction, breath support and resonance. Music Theory and
Music History are also included in the daily instruction.
Sight singing technique will be included on a daily basis.
Additional work includes: singing in small ensembles,
written tests, singing tests, and required evening
performances. Several early morning rehearsals will also be
required. This class meets second hour daily.
WOMEN'S CHOIR
The women's
choir is a select, auditioned choir of women, grades 10-12.
The curriculum is designed to help young women further
develop freedom, beauty and maturity in the singing voice.
It is also designed to empower singers with more advanced
ear training, sight-singing skills and competency in
reading four part and double choir voicing. Phonetics of
various languages and a variety of musical styles are
presented. Work includes singing exercises to expand the
range and flexibility of the voice, improve diction, breath
support and resonance. Music Theory and Music History are
also included on a daily basis. Additional work includes
singing in small ensembles, written tests, singing tests
and required evening performances. Several early morning
rehearsals will also be required. This class meets 6th hour
daily.
CONCERT CHORALE
The Concert
Chorale is an advanced mixed choral ensemble for the
dedicated and serious musicians, grades 10-12. Concert
Chorale provides opportunities for the further development
of a mature singing voice and sight singing independence.
Students perform a variety of choral compositions of
contrasting periods and styles: major works and double
choir works are included. Students continue to expand their
musical knowledge through the study of Harmony, Melodic and
Harmonic Dictation, and Music History. Guest performers and
clinicians are occasionally utilized in the rehearsal
setting. Expectations include a sincere desire to improve
understanding and technique. Some out of school rehearsal
and activities occur though out the year. Students are
required to attend all performances. This class meets 4th
hour daily.
CHAMBER CHOIR (UNA VOCE)
This choir meets during 5C daily and on Monday evening for at least two hours. Students must be enrolled in Concert Choir to audition and are selected by the director. These students are auditioned in February of the previous year. This class is for the highly motivated and talented choral musician. Students are required to purchase a tuxedo and evening gown for this ensemble. Only the most advanced choral music is performed. It requires many outside performances for the community; therefore, the singer must maintain an exceptionally high grade point average. Optional credit is granted for this course.