Chorus
Grades 4 - 9
Starting in grade 4, students can choose to participate in chorus as a year-long arts elective. Taught by Debbie Kerrick, the chorus program helps students develop vocal strength and clarity, the ability to work as an ensemble, and confidence on stage.
Middle School chorus: Grades 4 - 6
Upper School chorus: Grades 7 - 9
Performances
Every year, the Middle School chorus and the Upper School chorus each produce a full-scale musical. The effort brings the community together as students, teachers, and parents work together to make the show a success.
Recent Upper School musicals include: “Oliver!,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Anything Goes,” and “Annie.” Recent Middle School musicals include: “Willy Wonka,” “Honk!” and “Seussical.”
Ms. Kerrick is such an energetic person. She does an amazing job. I think Ms. Kerrick and Mrs. Moye really made the difference with the musical. If someone else had been there, it would not have been even half as amazing.” - Michael Harteveldt, GCDS class of 2012
In addition to the musicals, the Middle School chorus performs at the holiday concert, as well as during the biennial Celebration of Freedom concert; the Upper School chorus holds concerts in both the winter and the spring.
For upcoming performances, see Arts Calendar.
Rehearsals
Whether you’re on tech or backstage or on stage, you’re just together and you have a really good time acting and singing and dancing or whatever you’re doing. It’s a lot of fun.” - Ellie McKeefry, GCDS class of 2012
All members of the Middle and Upper School chorus have two rehearsals each week during the school day. In the weeks leading up to the musicals, there are additional rehearsals on Fridays and Saturdays.
CHORUS FAQ
How do students sign up for chorus?
If a student in grades 4 - 6 would like to participate in chorus, his or her parents complete the Middle School Chorus Permission Slip (login required).
If a student in grades 7 - 9 would like to participate in chorus, he or she completes the Upper School Arts Electives Form (login required).
How do students know what part they sing?
All chorus members are required to come for a voice test. This is not something you can pass or fail! Rather, it is a brief one-on-one time with Ms. Kerrick where she helps each student determine his or her ability to match pitch, vocal range, tone quality, and ear for harmony.
- The Middle School chorus sings in 3 parts: soprano I, soprano II, alto.
- The Upper School chorus sings in 3 or 4 parts: soprano, alto, tenor, baritone.
